ANMELDENMorning After the AlmostI froze with my phone still glowing in my hand. Mom’s knock came again, softer this time.“Elara? Honey, it’s me.”I quickly deleted Alexander’s last message, set the phone face-down, and cracked the door open. Mom stood there in her silk robe, hair slightly messy from sleep, looking genuinely concerned.“Hey, Mom. What’s wrong? It’s super late.”She stepped inside without waiting for an invitation and glanced around my room like she might find answers hidden in the corners. “I saw your light on and thought maybe the new house was keeping you up. Or wedding excitement hangover.” She sat on the edge of my bed and patted the spot beside her. “Come talk to me. We haven’t had a real mother daughter chat since I got married.”Guilt twisted in my chest like a knife as I sat down. “I’m okay. Just… adjusting. Everything happened so fast.”Mom smiled, tucking my hair behind my ear the way she used to when I was little. “Alexander’s a good man, baby. I know it’s weird c
Shadows Between WordsThe library door swung open, and I yanked my hand out of Alexander’s like it was on fire. My heart shot into my throat as one of the night staff a middle aged man named Thomas stepped inside carrying a small tray.“Apologies, sir,” Thomas said, blinking at the dim lighting. “I saw the lamps still on and thought you might want a fresh pot of herbal tea before bed. Mrs. Voss mentioned you sometimes”“It’s fine, Thomas,” Alexander cut in smoothly, already standing. His voice held that natural authority that made people listen. “We were just finishing up. Leave it on the side table.”Thomas nodded, set the tray down, and glanced curiously at me before backing out. “Goodnight, sir. Miss Elara.”The door clicked shut again. I let out a long, shaky breath and pressed my palms to my burning cheeks.“That was too close,” I whispered. “If it had been Mom…”Alexander stayed standing, running a hand through his hair. “But it wasn’t. Sit back down, Elara. We’re not done.”I s
I stared at Alexander’s last message until the screen went dark. Door’s unlocked. The words burned behind my eyelids. I tossed my phone onto the nightstand and pulled the covers over my head, but sleep was impossible. Every creak in the old mansion made me wonder if it was him in the hallway. Every heartbeat reminded me how close we’d come in the library.After twenty restless minutes, I slipped out of bed, threw on a light robe over my silk nightdress, and padded downstairs barefoot. The house felt different at night bigger, more dangerous. I headed to the library, telling myself it was just to read, to distract my racing mind. Not because I hoped he’d find me there.The door was already ajar, a soft golden glow spilling into the hallway.I pushed it open slowly. Alexander stood by the tall windows, a glass of whiskey in his hand, staring out at the dark gardens. He’d changed into a black t-shirt and gray sweatpants. The casual look made him seem more human. And somehow more intimida
Echoes in the LibraryDinner that evening felt like walking through a minefield of polite smiles and hidden landmines. Mom had returned from her spa day glowing, full of stories about her friends’ jealous reactions to her new life. I sat between them at the long table, pushing pasta around my plate while trying not to notice how Alexander’s gaze kept finding me.“So tell me, Elara,” Mom said, twirling her wine glass, “what do you think of the house so far? Alexander gave you the grand tour, right?”I nodded, keeping my eyes on my food. “It’s incredible. The library especially. I could get lost in there for days.”Alexander’s low voice cut in smoothly. “She seemed to like it. Spent quite a bit of time at the piano too.” He took a sip of wine, his expression unreadable. “You play, Elara?”“Not really,” I lied, remembering how close we’d sat on that bench. “Just curious.”Mom clapped her hands. “You two bonding already makes me so happy. Alexander, you should take her shopping tomorrow.
Breakfast and BoundariesSunlight poured through the tall windows of the dining room the next morning, making everything look deceptively peaceful. I’d barely slept, tossing and turning with Alexander’s texts burning a hole in my phone. I’d saved the number. I hated myself for it.Mom was already at the table, looking blissfully happy in a silk robe, sipping coffee. Alexander sat at the head like he owned the world which he did. Freshly showered, in a charcoal shirt with the sleeves rolled up, reading something on his tablet.“Good morning, sleepyhead!” Mom said brightly when I walked in. “Come sit. Maria made French toast just the way you like it.”I forced a smile and took the seat across from Alexander, not beside him. “Morning, Mom. You look… rested.”She laughed, reaching over to squeeze my hand. “Best sleep I’ve had in years. Right, darling?”Alexander looked up, his gray eyes finding mine immediately. “Absolutely. Though I think the jet lag from yesterday is still hitting some
The heavy door clicked shut behind me, sealing us inside Alexander’s office. The room smelled like him sandalwood, aged whiskey, and polished leather. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined one wall, while a massive mahogany desk dominated the center. Moonlight filtered through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the floor. I rubbed my arms, suddenly cold despite the warmth of the room. “This is a bad idea. Mom could come looking for us any minute.” Alexander leaned against the desk, arms crossed over his chest. His bow tie was gone, the top buttons of his white shirt undone. He looked dangerously relaxed for a man who had just married my mother hours ago. “She’s exhausted and already upstairs changing,” he said calmly. “The staff is handling the last guests. We have time.” His gray eyes pinned me in place. “You ran from the reception like you were being chased. Talk to me, Elara. No more polite smiles and careful words.” I let out a shaky breath and paced a few steps. “What







