NICKOLAS

"How could this happen? How could you fucking let this happen?" I roar, my voice raw with fury and desperation as I pace the living room like a caged animal, my hands clenching and unclenching at my sides.

"You think I let this happen?" Ava screams back, her face twisted with indignation and hurt.

"Don't you dare fucking raise your voice at me," I snarl, whirling on her with a ferocity that has her taking an involuntary step back. I loom over her, my body vibrating with barely ...