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Chapter 26: It's Not Your Fault

Author: Tiana Alie
last update Last Updated: 2025-05-31 18:56:55

Hilary Windsor

The ache was still there.

It had followed me home from the gala like a shadow stitched to my skin, low and dull, blooming in and out of awareness as I changed out of my burgundy dress. I sat on the edge of the bed, brushing out the soft curls from my hair, watching the strands fall to the floor like petals.

Bennett walked in, undoing his cufflinks. He looked at me, pausing halfway through. “You okay?"

“Just a bit of a cramp,” I said, keeping my voice light. “Probably from standing all night.”

He walked closer, brows furrowing. “Should I call the doctor?”

I shook my head quickly. “No. Really. It's nothing. Just tired. And... maybe I shouldn’t have worn heels that long.”

He didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t argue. He leaned down, kissed my forehead, and stepped into the bathroom.

I swallowed a painkiller and crawled into bed, tugging the sheets up to my shoulders. The ache hadn’t gotten worse, not exactly. But something still felt... off.

We turned off the lights and d
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