in a sterile room for someone who would never come was unbearable. The Sterlin

st a subst

could spend an entire night in the hospital for Ashley, yet he couldn't answer a single phon

being the perfect "Mrs. Sterling"

r forearm, her movements indifferent; the pain no longer stirred

by the roadside, her shadow cast long after her by the glaring yellow streetlights

ng over the gravel driveway, and came to a stop in front of the grand Tudor-style mansion.

old. Every piece of furniture, every work of art,

anging above the fireplace. A younger, more innocent Chloe smiled shyly at the camera. Ju

a man fulfillin

the true nature of the portr

che through her bruised body. She didn't bother turning on the light, ins

able vibrated, its screen

li

mmer of hope flickered within her. Only a vast and weary e

ce was short and impatient. It was the tone

ore, a faint female voice came

...I'm

hl

s breaking. "Who

siness; you've overs

ulian said. The call ended. H

line rang in her ears. She thought of the news reports, the articles praising Julia

ld, curled up alone in this huge house. He had once tol

fell cold," he le

s slight discomfort. She had not only lost a husband she

spirit. His desire to

ing. It's time to