nd grand decor now felt suffocating, as though mocking her for being blind to the truth. She

noticed? How could

er parents' tragic death the very next day, and Liam's sudden coldness right a

reated them like his own. He... he confided in my mothe

ntly? Why had his demeanor shifted so drastically the mo

herself, as though repeating it enough times would make it true. She didn't want to believe L

eaming eyes filled with joy as he walked her down the aisle. Her mother had fussed over her veil, whisp

car

emed an accident-no signs of foul play. But now, with everything she'd un

t?" she murmured aloud. The t

ile in the picture seemed so genuine, so full of love. She remember

t all

or startled her o

ds-Nina, the one who had been

oice was hoarse

ma'am. Should I br

she had no appetite. She couldn't sit in th

udy. She paused, her hand gripping the banister. The door was slightly ajar,

loose ends," Liam's vo

oice replied. "Everyt

est of the conversation, but those words alone sent a wave of

her breath shallow as sh

tone icy. "She'll believe what I want her to

Her foot brushed against a loose floorboa

ices s

Liam's sharp vo

d running back to her room, but she knew it would only arouse more suspic

id, trying to kee

before softening. "Elsa, what are you

" she said, glancing at the man standing beside him.

said smoothly. "He handles

a polite nod b

ser to her. His concern seemed genuine, but Elsa

cing a smile. "I'll just

g a strand of hair from he

on her back, and a chill ran down her

r what i