Bella's body trembled as she tried to avoid my question and escape the bed, but I held onto her tightly. She would not leave until she gave me the answers I needed.

"Not until you tell me what's happening," I demanded, my voice rising with frustration. "You nearly ended my life, for God's sake!"

The room was filled with an intense energy, the air thick with tension. Bella's eyes darted around, avoiding my gaze as if she could not bring herself to meet it. I could feel my heart ...