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
you please come out? Hit me if you want, just don't lock
Still no answer.
options, Cedric turned
and Stewart were about to head to the backyard
"What's wrong?" Briony asked.
locked herself in the
Briony fell silent.
washboard?" Cedric asked
hesitated, then pointed toward the laundry room. "You can
"Thanks."
the old washboard and then got the bathroom key from Briony.
nose, half-amused. "Didn't know that
Briony glanced at him.
back
air suddenly thick with unspoken
Briony was the first to
slender silhouette, letting out
...
alive with laughter
few others were playing with
of attention bright-eyed, clever, and irresistibly cute. Nina, especially, with her sweet baby
their phones out, snapping away-kneeling, crouching, sideways, vertical, every angle imaginable, determined
the side, unable to chase after the kids but
used to be much for kids, but Briony's twins were impossible to resist. He found himself taking
his pocket and stood up-just
walked over. "Kids all
up to bed," Briony answered, her voice
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