Page 50 of Shattered By Grace

Taylor joined her midway through, slipping seamlessly into the flow of the work. After the delivery, when the mother and baby were stable, Taylor leaned over, her voice low. “You’re like a different person when you’re in here.”

Victoria offered a tight smile, her focus still on the task at hand. “It’s easier when the crisis isn’t mine.”

They finished up their rounds in a comfortable silence, but Victoria could feel Taylor’s watchful eyes, still trying to piece together what she wasn’t saying. The bond between them was strong, but not strong enough to break through the walls Victoria had built around herself.

By the end of their shift, Victoria felt drained, emotionally more than physically. As they changed out of their scrubs, Taylor leaned against the locker next to her. “I’m serious about thatmasquerade, Grace. It’s going to be a blast, and it’s a perfect excuse to unwind. You, my friend, deserve a night of fun.”

Victoria’s heart twisted at the warmth in Taylor’s voice, a reminder of everything she was pushing away. She wanted to say yes, to let herself enjoy something, anything, that didn’t feel like a ticking time bomb. But she knew the danger that lingered in the shadows, the things she couldn’t share. So, she forced a smile, nodding. “I’ll think about it.”

“Good,” Taylor said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “We’ll have a girls’ day. Dress shopping, mani-pedis, lunch… and, of course, lots of girl talk about guys.” Taylor winked, and for a moment, the idea of it all sounded like the escape Victoria didn’t know she needed.

She had never had a friend like Taylor. The kind of friendship that felt safe, warm, uncomplicated. She wanted to hold on to that, but deep down, she knew she was already living a life too tangled to share. Still, the thought of losing Taylor, of losing someone who genuinely cared, was a fear she couldn’t bear.

“That sounds amazing. Okay let’s plan it.” Victoria smiled tightly.

After the longest twenty-four hours of her life, Victoria’s body craved the gym. It wasn’t just a need, it was an urgent demand. As she walked through the door, the chaos of the day crashed into her, but if anyone greeted her, she didn’t hear them. She didn’t care.

What the hell is happening to my life? The break-in. The stolen memories of my father. Justin resurfacing. Tristan’sstupid face. It was all too much. Where the hell has Tyson been?The thoughts ricocheted in her mind, frantic and raw.

She stepped into the cool, metallic scent of the gym, the familiar space offering little comfort as everything around her felt like it was spiraling beyond her control. She was holding on by a thread. If she didn’t ground herself soon, she might snap. Her emotions were too tightly wound, frayed at the edges, like a string pulled too taut.

She headed straight to the locker room, barely registering the hum of the overhead lights. She shoved her bag into an open locker and pulled the door shut with a hard snap. The quiet buzz of the space was a welcome change from the relentless noise of her mind. She looked at her reflection in the mirror, eyes shadowed with exhaustion. Pulling her hair into a tight ponytail, she gave herself a moment to breathe, letting the familiar routine calm her, even if only a little.

It wasn’t much, but it was enough to silence the sharp edges of her thoughts, if only for a second.

With her hair secured, she grabbed her water bottle and slammed the locker shut.Time to go to work.

She walked out of the locker room, put in her earbuds, and turned on her gym playlist, blastingConfidentby Demi Lovato. The pounding bass and bold lyrics helped silence the noise in her head. She felt the familiar adrenaline rush as the song's intensity coursed through her. She wasn’t here to pace herself, she was here to let it all out.

She headed straight for the free weights, stacking on more than she usually did. Each repetition was powered by frustration. Tristan’s smirk flashed in her mind, followed by the way he saidlovewhen he was being a smart ass, like it meant something when it didn't.

Stupid smile. Ugh. How did I let him invade? That wasn’t supposed to happen—get close, get intel, take them down. No. You’re falling for him.

The thought made her drop the bar. It crashed onto the floor with a loud clank, and suddenly, every head in the gym turned toward her.

What the actual fuck? What did you just think?

She stared at the barbell for a moment, her chest tight with sudden embarrassment and something else she couldn’t name. Gripping the dumbbells in her hands, she shoved the weird thoughts aside.Don’t go there.She couldn’t afford to let him distract her. Not now. Every press, every curl, was an outlet for her anger and confusion. Her heart pounded in rhythm with the blaring music, a relentless beat that matched her pace.Focus on the burn. Don’t think. Just push.

After weights, she moved to the treadmill, cranking up the speed until her legs were a blur beneath her. With each stride, she imagined running away from it all. The threats, the tangled emotions, the looming danger that she couldn’t quite put a finger on but knew was closing in. Sweat dripped down her temples, her breaths came in sharp gasps, but she refused to slow down. Not until her muscles screamed for mercy.

Who do I even trust anymore?The question kept circling her mind, no matter how fast she ran.

When she finally stopped, chest heaving and sweat slicking her skin, she felt the faintest relief. The gnawing tension hadn’t completely vanished, but it had dulled enough for her to catch her breath. At least now the noise in her head wasn’t quite so deafening.

As she wiped her face with a towel, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her reflection looked determined, focused, like a woman clawing back control, even if it was just for these few fleeting moments. But underneath that determination, shecould still see the cracks. The worry, the confusion, and the questions that no amount of sweat or effort could chase away.

This was supposed to help. I should feel better, stronger... but why does it still feel like everything’s falling apart?

That familiar prickle crawled up her spine. She glanced up, eyes flicking to the mirror, and there he stood. Tall, rugged, and sexy. Tristan.

Of fucking course he’s here.

She yanked out her earphones, meeting his gaze dead-on. “I don’t have anything to say to you.” Her tone was clipped, ice in every word.

“Someone’s in a bad mood today.” Tristan’s eyes darkened, his expression icy after a beat, he shrugged, his voice laced with mockery. “Did you forget to eat today? I know how you girls are.” His gaze flicked over her, slow and deliberate. “Or do you need to be eaten?” His tongue darted out to wet his bottom lip, his smirk downright obnoxious. “Because you seem like you’re having a fucked-up day.”

Victoria didn’t dignify him with a response. Her jaw tightened, fingers curling into fists at her sides. She turned and walked towards the locker room.

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