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Chapter 24: The Night I Stopped Believing Her

Author: Fanny S
last update Last Updated: 2025-10-11 18:32:58

Edward’s POV

The guest room was cold.

I peeled off the tuxedo jacket and tossed it over the wingback chair. The bow tie followed. I loosened the top buttons of my shirt, then stopped halfway.

The documents.

Lucy had given Alicia something from my mother. Board meeting materials I’d need before Monday. I couldn’t walk into that meeting unprepared. Not with half the board already questioning my decisions.

I crossed the hallway to our bedroom. The shower was running. Steam crept from under the bathroom door, warm against the cool air of the bedroom.

I walked to the dresser where her clutch sat—navy silk, like her dress. Small. Expensive.

“Alicia, I’m getting what Lucy gave you,” I called toward the bathroom.

Water hit the tile. Steady. Loud. No response.

I opened the clutch.

Lipstick. Compact. Her phone was face down. Under those, wedged against the silk lining, a sealed envelope.

I pulled it out and walked back to the guest room.

Set it on the nightstand. Headed straight for the shower.
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