Chapter 14 A RESOUNDING BLOW

Xina walked up the familiar pathway to her family's house, her heart heavy with a mix of emotions. As she approached, she noticed Stefan standing near the entrance, his eyes fixed on her with an intense gaze. He looked like a man on the verge of delivering a stern lecture, as he often did, but there was a hesitation in his demeanor this time, a reluctance that was uncharacteristic of him. Stefan must have seen Xina step out of the luxurious car, a sight that would have seemed impossible to him. Xina, after all, was not known to have wealthy friends, nor did she possess the means to afford such opulence herself. His eyes followed her every step as she walked toward him, filled with a mixture of confusion and judgment. As Xina drew closer, it was clear that Stefan expected her to say something. They had yet to have a proper conversation since their relationship had come to an abrupt end. When Xina discovered that Stefan had started seeing Gaia, she cut off all communication with him. S