On the way home, Madeline had told herself that all she needed to do was act cute, pout a little, and William would forgive her, just like always.But now, standing in the center of the empty living room, she looked around.Everything was in its place—the imported Italian leather sofa, the priceless crystal chandelier, the expensive art on the walls. But something was missing from the air.The faint, familiar scent of William—a mix of gun oil and cedar aftershave—was gone.For five years, that scent had seeped into every corner of the house, the smell of "home." Now, all she could smell was cleaning solution.She hit the intercom for the servants' quarters."Hello?" It was Carmen, the young maid, her voice thick with sleep."Carmen, where is the master?""What? Ma'am?" Carmen sounded confused. "It's… it's eleven at night. I don't know where he is. He's usually in the bedroom by now.""When did he leave?""Leave? I don't understand, ma'am. I was in the laundry room all day. I didn't see
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