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

you please come out? Hit me if you

Still no answer.

Cedric turned and left

Stewart were about to head to the backyard when they saw

"What's wrong?" Briony asked.

locked herself in

Briony fell silent.

guys have a washboard?" Cedric

pointed toward the laundry room.

"Thanks."

and then got the bathroom key from Briony. Without another

rubbed his nose, half-amused. "Didn't know

Briony glanced at him.

back at

air suddenly

first to look away, turning

her slender silhouette,

...

was alive with laughter

a few others were playing with

bright-eyed, clever, and irresistibly cute. Nina, especially, with her sweet baby voice and sparkling personality, had everyone wrapped

snapping away-kneeling, crouching, sideways, vertical, every

off to the side, unable to chase after the kids but happily interacting from

for kids, but Briony's twins were impossible to resist. He found himself

phone back into his pocket and stood up-just as

walked over. "Kids

mom took them up to bed," Briony answered, her

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