CHAPTER 25 FAMILY ISSUES

JARED'S POV I leaned back in my chair, the soft light from the lamp creating shadows across my study. Sabrina's tea had eased the pain in my stomach, but now something else gnawed at me, something that felt almost like worry. I had tried to keep a distance, to avoid thinking about her, but every time I thought I had pushed her out, she managed to find a way back in. Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the door, and Gerald emerged, his expression as calm as ever, saying, "Sir, Sabrina is in the garden. She seems. a bit troubled." I scowled, "Troubled? How?" Gerald paused to consider my next move, then went on. "Sir, I am not aware of the specifics. But she appears depressed." My heart began to stiffen in my chest. With a murmur, "Thank you, Gerald," I forced myself out of the chair and headed for the garden, walking with purpose and speed, driven by an inexplicable yearning. As I stepped outside, the cool evening air felt against my skin. The garden stretched out before me, ser