Chapter 1 – The Night It All Ended

Rain whispered against the tall windows of the Davenport mansion, tracing crooked paths down the glass before disappearing into the shadows. The house was too quiet, too perfect. Even the clock ticking on the mantel seemed to hesitate before every beat, as if afraid to disturb the silence.

Ophelia sat alone on the sofa, her knees drawn close, the faint glow from a single lamp brushing against her pale face. In her hands rested a small white envelope, creased from how many times she had opened and closed it.

Her doctor’s note.

She had gone to the hospital earlier that day after feeling dizzy all morning. When the nurse had placed the paper in her hand, she had stared at the bold blue words for nearly a full minute before believing them.

Pregnancy: positive.

Her heart had leapt. She had even smiled. For the first time in months, maybe years, something had felt right.

She had imagined running into Philip’s arms, showing him the paper, hearing him laugh in disbelief. We’re going to have a