Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 51 - Chapitre 60

Damon lingered on the cracked edge of the pavement, close enough to see the faint glow from Chelle’s living room, far enough to pretend he wasn’t here yet. The house looked smaller at night, shoulders hunched under the weight of silence. He wiped his thumb across his split lip, tasted iron, and let his hand fall. The porch light stayed off. That felt deliberate.Inside, Daisy crossed the room with a mug warming her palms. She had been watching the street without meaning to, the way you look when you’re waiting for something you don’t want to arrive. Damon’s shape broke free from the dark, pacing once, stopping, pacing again. He lifted his head, then dropped it. Daisy set the mug down and went to the door.The hinges gave a soft complaint as she opened it.“Erm—do you wanna come in?”The words landed behind Damon before the sound registered. He flinched, spine snapping straight, a boy caught stealing. When he turned, Daisy was already stepping back to make room, hand still on the door

Daisy dragged herself through the front door, her shoes scraping softly against the tiles. The house felt heavier than usual—too quiet, too still. Her shoulders ached from the long shift at the hospital, but the real weight sat in her chest.Chelle’s door was slightly open. Daisy paused there, watching her sister lie curled beneath the blanket, cheeks sunken, lips dry. The girl who used to laugh too loud and steal food from Daisy’s plate barely stirred now. A plate of untouched food sat on the bedside table from earlier. Daisy looked away, blinking fast.In the kitchen, she moved on autopilot—oil in the pan, heat turned on, hands trembling as she reached for the spoon. Her phone buzzed against the counter.Johnson.Her breath caught.She answered. “Hello?”“Come outside.”“What?”The pan was forgotten instantly. Daisy was already moving, yanking the door open and stepping into the night. Johnson stood there, hands in his pockets, eyes fixed on her like he’d been holding his breath the

The smell of toast was what woke Chelle.Not the sharp, nauseating scent that used to turn her stomach, but something warm and almost inviting. Butter, lightly browned bread, the faint sweetness of tea steeping in the kitchen. When she finally pushed herself up, her body protested only mildly. Her limbs were still heavy, but not useless. She swung her legs off the bed and sat there for a moment, grounding herself, feeling the cool tile beneath her feet. The room looked the same as it always had—soft curtains, neatly folded clothes on the chair, the small crack on the wall she used to trace when she couldn’t sleep. But she felt… different inside it.Light cough existed from her mouth .“Chelly?” Daisy’s voice floated down the hallway, cautious but hopeful. “Are you awake?”“I am,” Chelle called back. Her voice didn’t wobble.Daisy appeared in the doorway seconds later, her eyes scanning Chelle from head to toe like she was afraid she’d disappear if she looked away for too long. When s

Victoria almost smashed her phone on the marble floor.It slipped in her sweaty grip, skidding instead, the screen flashing his name for the seventh time. She dragged it back with her toe, jaw tight. The room smelled like cold coffee .Finally, the call connected.“What the fuck?”Her shoulders sagged for half a second before stiffening again. “I’m so sorry, baby. I was busy.”“Busy with what?” Her voice cut sharp, slicing through the air as she paced. Her heel caught the edge of the rug. She didn’t slow down.A pause.“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”She stopped walking. Pinched the bridge of her nose. Let the silence stretch just long enough to hurt. “Ugh, whatever.” Her eyes drifted to the clock on the wall, then to the dark window. “Now let’s get over the plan.Victoria’s fingers trembled around the phone. Her nails tapped the marble counter in a staccato rhythm, sharp enough to echo through the quiet kitchen. Outside, the pool lights shimmered, calm and oblivious.“You sound wound up,” he

Lilian descended the staircase slowly, the red silk gown clinging to her like liquid fire. The fabric caught the light with every step, whispering softly against her skin. She looked rested and radiant .Victoria’s smile widened instantly, practiced and warm.“Oh, you look stunning,” she said, stepping forward. “That dress was made for you.”Lilian’s lips curved. “Thank you, my darling. I’m meeting some friends for brunch after the spa.”Victoria waved a hand dismissively. “I hope I didn’t mess up your whole day dragging you out like this.”Lilian reached for her, fingers squeezing hers affectionately. “Not at all. I’d much rather spend the day with you. You’ve become like a daughter to me.”Victoria laughed lightly, pressing a hand to her chest. “You always know how to flatter me.”A beat. Then Lilian glanced toward the door.“So… are we ready?”Victoria nodded quickly. “Yes, ma’am.”Lilian stretched out her hand without thinking. Victoria took it, her grip just a little tighter than