CHAPTER FORTY FOUR – HOW IT ALL HAPPENED

"As for living arrangements," Nolan continued, "you'll move in together immediately. We've already secured a suitable apartment. Your things will be moved there tomorrow." Deonna felt as if she were drowning, each of Nolan's words pulling her further under. She wanted to protest, to scream, to run from the room. But she remained frozen in her seat, the weight of her situation crushing her. "Any questions?" Nolan asked, his tone making it clear he expected none. Logan and Deonna sat in stunned silence, both too overwhelmed to speak. "Good," Nolan said, standing up. "You're dismissed. I expect to see that engagement announcement first thing tomorrow." As they left the office, Deonna felt numb. She and Logan walked in silence to the elevator, the weight of their new reality settling over them like a heavy blanket. The next morning, Deonna woke to her phone buzzing incessantly. She groaned, reaching for it with bleary eyes. As soon as she unlocked the screen, she was bombarded with n