Briony met his gaze, her lips pale but curling into a faint smile. "At this point, playing what-if only brings more trouble," she said softly.

She rose to her feet and looked away, her voice as gentle as a midnight breeze drifting into the man's chest. "I've let it go. You should, too."

Upstairs, in the guest bedroom.

Cedric Clarke eased open the door. The small nightlight glowed softly in one corner.

On the big bed, Aster was sprawled out, fast asleep.

Cedric stepped inside, eyes sweeping the room.

No sign of Stella.

He paused, assuming she wasn't there—until he heard something from the bathroom. A muffled sound: a woman trying to stifle her sobs.

Cedric's heart seized, as if caught in a vise.

He rushed to the bathroom, grabbing the handle, but the door wouldn't budge. It was locked from the inside.

Leaning his forehead against the door, he lowered his voice. "Star, can you open the door?"

The crying stopped for a moment, but Stella gave no reply.

He tried to coax her, voice hoarse. "It's my fault. I was an ass. Just open up, okay? I'll get down on my knees and beg-whatever you want."

Still nothing.

Cedric grew frantic. Stella had lost her temper before, but she'd never shut herself away like this, crying alone.

his words tonight must have really hurt

if you want,

Still no answer.

turned and left

were about to head to the backyard when they

"What's wrong?" Briony asked.

herself

Briony fell silent.

have a washboard?" Cedric asked with a

laundry room.

"Thanks."

bathroom key from Briony. Without another word, he

nose, half-amused. "Didn't know

Briony glanced at him.

looked back

the air suddenly

seconds later, Briony was the first to

silhouette, letting

...

was alive with

Carey, Hannah, and a few others were playing

Nina and Hittle Mario, the adorable twins, were the center of attention bright-eyed, clever, and irresistibly cute.

and Carey had their phones out, snapping away-kneeling, crouching, sideways, vertical, every angle imaginable, determined to capture every

to chase after the kids but happily interacting

never used to be much for kids, but Briony's twins were impossible to

in, Maynard slipped his phone back into his

over.

bed," Briony answered, her voice calm and

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