LOGINThe words cut. I stared at her. Lucy didn't flinch. Didn't look away. Just held my gaze. "You want to know what I think?" she said quietly. "Not particularly. But I have a feeling you're going to tell me anyway." "I think you're stuck." She pushed off the desk. Walked toward me. "You can't move
I was at the window when Lucy walked in. "Working hard?" her voice came through the speakers. I watched myself set the report down. Turn. "Lucy. What brings you by?" "Your mother asked me to check on you." She glanced at my desk. At the scattered reports. "Looks like you're drowning." "I'm mana
Edward's POV Judge Harmon nodded. "You may call your witness." The side door opened. Clara Reyes moved to the stand. I had called her Tuesday. She had listened without asking unnecessary questions, pulled the footage logs, verified the chain of custody, and told me what she would say if asked. Sh
"And the contract was withdrawn shortly after." "Yes." "How did you interpret that?" "She followed through." Cole objected. Speculation. Sustained. "Ms. Holloway. Across three years of events. How would you describe Alicia Valentine's manner?" "Controlled. Always controlled. She was never visi
Her smile faltering. A shadow passing across it. "Because I want you to understand—" "No." A step closer. "You are here because you are terrified. Because despite everything. Despite the photo. Despite Edward sleeping with you. Despite wearing his grandmother's necklace. You're still not his wife.
Alicia's POV The screen came on. The photography gallery. Museum lighting. Artwork on the walls. I was already there when Lucy walked in. I watched myself from across a courtroom. The navy gown. Hair up. Standing in front of a photograph of a woman whose face was half in shadow. Lucy stopped be
"Oh, honey." Elena was out of her chair and on the bed in seconds, arms wrapped around me, careful of the IV line. "I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry." I buried my face in her shoulder and sobbed. Ugly, wrenching sobs that hurt my ribs and made my head pound. Elena held me through all of it, one hand
Alicia’s POV The car was quiet except for the hum of the engine and the faint rustle of tires on pavement. My reflection looked back at me. Pale. Hollow‑eyed. A stranger inhabiting my face. Edward’s hands gripped the wheel. Ten and two. Posture rigid, the air between us tight with things unsaid.
Edward’s POV The whiskey burned on the way down, a heat that climbed and lingered, settling in my chest like a tightening knot. I stood at the kitchen counter with the glass in hand. The bedroom door had closed behind her, soft and definite. She had been at the hospital all day. Or so she said. I
Edward's POV The dessert plates were cleared. Coffee appeared in delicate porcelain cups. Senator Whitmore pushed back from the table with a satisfied sigh. "Vivienne, that was exceptional. As always." "I'm so glad you enjoyed it." Mother's smile was gracious, effortless. "Shall we move to the s







