Monet didn’t hear him come in.She was standing at the counter in her soft, oversized sweater, hair pulled back loosely, warming milk for Carter’s oat and Meredith's cereal. Her movements were gentle and deliberate, those of someone trying not to disturb anything in the world around her.Richard stood in the doorway for a moment, watching her.Remembering how she flinched when Juliet raised her voice yesterday. Remembering how she folded into herself last night. Remembering that he left her hurting.He cleared his throat quietly.Monet startled anyway.“Oh—” She straightened immediately. “Good morning. I didn’t think you’d be up yet.”Her voice was polite. Careful.Too careful.“Monet,” he said softly.She busied her hands with the spoon, stirring air because the milk had already settled.“You don’t have to explain,” she murmured. “Yesterday was a lot for everyone.” “Especially for you.”That hurt more than if she’d been angry.He stepped closer, keeping his voice low.“I shouldn’t h
Last Updated : 2025-11-28 Read more