Gemotions

A sense of unease settled over Olivia. The notification displayed her old tormentor’s name: Richard Barnes. The memories hit her like a punch to the gut. The whispered insults, the public humiliations, the way he had managed to steal her joy.

She leaned back in her chair, the sudden desire to escape washing over her. The once inviting warmth of her study felt suddenly cold and unfamiliar.

She wanted to refuse, to shut him out, but a strange mixture of curiosity and a stubborn sense of defiance kept her rooted. She wanted to know what he wanted.