Chapter 324: [ Volume 1] Chaper 324- Kneel down.

Without thinking, Esme grabbed the door handle, throwing it open. The rush of cold air hit her hard, but she didn't care. She stepped out quickly, her voice spilling out before she even realized she was speaking.

"Ray? Honey, what are you doing out here?"

Her words trembled, laced with confusion and concern. She moved closer to him, her eyes scanning his face, though the hood still hid most of it. The silence between them was deafening.

He didn't answer. His hand, now resting lightly on the car, stayed still, and his eyes never left hers. The weight of his silence felt suffocating, and for a moment, she thought she saw something flicker in his gaze—something unspoken, something heavy.

"Ray?" she said again, softer this time, her tone pleading. "Are you okay? Talk to me."

But still, no response. Just the quiet night and the steady rise and fall of her breath as she stood there, waiting for him to speak, to move, to give her anything.