n Amelia's back as she approached the foyer. He was going to demand an ex

sound of a high-performance engine shattere

to a halt in the circular driveway, its en

She was dressed to kill in a tight designer dress and overs

frown creasing his forehea

iately removed her sunglasses, her face cr

the stone steps, her high heels clicking precariously. Ig

s body stiffened as he saw Amelia, stand

r face in his chest. "You didn't answer my calls,"

land directly on Amelia. A flash of triumphant malice glittered

ough for everyone to hear. "You bring your ex-wife to

ly made-up face. "I have no status, no name. I'm just the other w

is temples. He tried to quiet her, his voice l

pressing her advantage. "I want to meet

ach this carefully," he tried to reason, know

ach. She doubled over, her face contorted in pain.

ed him. The thought of something happeni

worry as he supported her. "We'll go insid

traightened up, the pain miraculously gone, and looped her arm

ast the spot where Amel

w the fake tears, the manipulative clutching of the stomach, and Hunter's predictable

ng pain through her chest, a phantom limb of a love that was a

like a precious, fragile treasure. T

cing the lump in her throat down. She w

ple and walked alone toward the livi

k, proud and solitary, as she disappeared from view. A flicker of something that felt dangerously like loss shot th