until the first gray light of dawn seeped through the curtains. When she finally pu

silent on the thick runner of the hallway. Her path was automatic, a

Lily and Mrs. Peterson getting ready for school. She paused, her hand raised to p

like Auntie Britta

id-air. A knot of ice

entle voice replied. "Miss Stephens

ty!" Lily's voice chirped, full of excitement.

were classics, carefully chosen edition

one of a child making a birthday wish. "I wish Auntie Brittan

't just hurt.

in was real-a sharp, twisting thing in her chest. She pressed a h

en she straightened her shoulders, turned, and walked downstairs. Her feet

ting was laid out for breakfast. She s

nally flat. "Mr. Donovan's schedule for tod

k. "Julian, put me th

d he's in

greement as of this morning. If he wants to discuss it, he can pi

"Mrs. Donovan...

ce, irritated. "What is this about

ill be at your office this afternoon. The patent termination is already in m

us. You're not tak

d Brittaney have done to this family. Until then, I'll take every other weekend and holidays

She pushed the untouched plate away,

iscreet entrance of a private members' club near Halsey's office tower. She didn't know why she went in. The m

n she l

sey was in a plush booth, and beside him sat Brittan

he had never, not once, seen directed at her. He was carefully wipi

piece of cake and held it to Halsey's lips. He accepted it without breaking

up to kiss Halsey's cheek, then twisted around

hem. A perfect

God, it hurt. But this time, she did not

d the camera. Captured the

wyer. For the custody hearing. And for

thered their things and left.

d up her contacts and dialed a number she had sa

king you up on that offer. I'll be

the club. The London sun was weak, but it felt

d stopped waiting for oth