Lawrence’s POV

As I approached Bella, the sound of the gunshot continued to reverberate in my ears. Her shaking fingers hovered close to the trigger as her fists clenched the gun so firmly that her knuckles turned white. The tension in the room was palpable, every movement purposeful, every breath keen.

"Bella," I said, trying to speak as evenly as possible. "This is not required of you. Put down the pistol and let's work this out together.

Her stare was loaded with agony, but her lips ...