Chapter 97: Intimate Bonds

The air in the bedroom was thick with tension, a charged silence that settled between Taylor and Alex as they sat on the bed, the weight of Taylor’s impending confession looming over them. Taylor’s heart raced, her palms damp as she fidgeted with the edge of the blanket. She could see the concern etched in Alex’s eyes, the silent plea for honesty that made her stomach twist with guilt. “Taylor, what’s going on?” Alex asked, her voice soft but steady, as if she was bracing herself for whatever was coming. Taylor took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “Alex, there’s something I need to tell you,” she began, her voice trembling slightly. “I didn’t want to keep this from you, but I needed to figure out how to handle it first.” Alex’s brow furrowed, worry deepening the lines on her face. “What is it? You’re scaring me.” Taylor reached out, taking Alex’s hand in hers, drawing strength from the warmth of her touch. “Mia’s here. She showed up at our door last night, and she’s in tro