te, later than Harrison usually stayed up. He should have been inside reviewing the countless forms he ha

ire from rising in his chest, the cool night air kissed his face. Restless and troubled, he found nothing right about his marriage, his future, or the life his family

ssa's form was almost visible in the faint light. Her dark hair flowed in lovely cur

to see anyone else out here," he murmured, his voice low but his heart racing. Marissa mo

s of the shared silence between them. For a minute, they stood silently, th

himself. Marissa shifted when her fingertips brushed against a nearby rose's petals. Have you ever felt the need to pause and reflect? She hesitated and chewed her

time," he said, the words came out involuntarily. Every day. Turning to face him squarely, Marissa's

f something forbidden was drawing them nearer. Harrison moved forward; Marissa's breath caught. Harrison reached out, brushing across Marissa's shoulder as

e voice. The sound of her name lingered in the air like a prayer. Her eyelids momentarily closed as if to try to recover some sense of balance. Harrison, however, could not help but want to pu

er plate's unfinished food, Seraphina's gaze moved. Though tonight they were much sharper than normal, she usually possessed a calculating gaze. For days she had known Harrison's detachment, which he worked hard t

s awareness, so engrossed in his own world. Seraphina was experienced. She was aware that Harrison and the maid were involved in an inappropriate relationship.

vate investigator, a quiet individual she had known in the past. Though the investigator promised her findings by week's end, Seraphina was antsy. She felt like she couldn't breathe. Lying in

which cast long shadows on the floor. Harrison stood by the window, his hands resting on the cool glass, his head still foggy from the events of the previous nigh

his body like a quiet promise. Harrison spun when the door creake

the garden and their relationship lingered between them like a weight neither of them could remove. Marissa placed her supply tray down and started walking towards the shelves. But as she passed Harrison, thei

n and pull her into him. "I" Marissa started to speak, but her voice faded. She turned and retreated towards

But she disappeared before he could chase her, and th