“Alan?” I call as I step back inside from the balcony, the cool night air still clinging to my skin. I pause just beyond the threshold, listening to the quiet of the house. “Alan, where’d you go?”“I’m in the study,” his voice echoes faintly from down the hall.I leave his bedroom and make my way slowly toward the study, each step heavier than the last. The overhead lights are dim, casting long shadows along the hallway. When I reach the doorway, I find him seated behind his desk, a book open in his hands, completely absorbed.I clear my throat and step inside before taking the seat across from him.“Alan, I need to share something very important with you,” I begin carefully.He doesn’t even look up, lazily turning a page.“What is it?” he asks, his tone weary, distracted.A sharp spark of frustration flares in my chest. “PUT THE BOOK DOWN!” I snap.The words hang in the air, loud and unmistakable. I almost never raise my voice at Alan—or Olivia—but when I do, they listen. Instinctive
Last Updated : 2025-11-29 Read more