Before I could make my way past Irene, a firm hand gripped my arm, halting me.
I turned, my face etched with confusion, gazing up at him as if silently questioning why he was preventing me from leaving.
My heart raced; I wanted to speak with my father about the situation, to plead for a bit more time before everything was set into motion. But it was at that moment that Roman had drawn me back.
He offered a soft smile, shaking his head gently as if to dismiss my urgency. "You don't need to go," he said, his voice unexpectedly calming. To my astonishment, he strolled over to collect the garments from Irene, who bowed her head slightly.
"Just a moment," he instructed, and Irene nodded before stepping away.
Roman pulled me back inside the room, shutting the door with a quiet click that seemed to seal off the outside world.
"You don't need to create a scene, Carol. It's fine," he reassured me, his tone soothing yet firm.
