Maria.
I slipped behind the pillar the very moment Sonia stepped out of the study, pressing my back flat against the cold surface as my breath hitched in my throat. My heart pounded so loudly in my chest that I was certain she would hear it if she lingered for even a second longer. I held my breath, barely daring to move, barely daring to blink.
I couldn't afford for her to see me, not now, and definitely ot like this.
Her footsteps echoed faintly against the corridor floor, steady and unhurried, as though she had all the time in the world. As though she had already won.
I stayed frozen, counting each second in silence until the sound of her heels finally faded into nothing.
Only then did I move.
The moment she was completely out of sight, I pushed myself off the pillar and ran. My steps were quick, uneven, almost desperate as I rushed down the hallway, my thoughts colliding violently in my head.
I didn't stop until I reached my room.
