“Some truths are too sharp for the world outside; we keep them between us, where they burn slow and honest.” The Merchetti mansion was quiet, but not empty. Rain pattered against the windows in long, rhythmic taps, echoing through the halls like a heartbeat. Ellie sat in the sitting room, Chiara across from her, knees tucked beneath her, fidgeting with the edge of a silk scarf. The fire burned low, casting orange flickers across the polished wood. Chiara’s eyes didn’t leave her sister’s face. “Ellie… I need to know,” she said finally, voice low, careful. “About Amy. I mean… about you and her. Why are you so close? The other day, I saw you two… in your room… and, well… it looked like you almost—” Ellie leaned back, eyes narrowing just slightly, lips pressing into a thin line. “Almost what?” she asked, but there wasn’t real defensiveness—just the faintest flicker of amusement. Chiara swallowed, cheeks heating. “You know… kissed. Or… something more. I—I need to understand, Ellie. I n
Last Updated : 2025-08-17 Read more