ugh to deal with my ex-husband. Jack stood in the kitchen doorway, brows furrowed. "Have you been drinking?" I didn't bother responding. Once, I would have craved that concern in his e

broken hopes and endless waiting. I couldn't bear to stay a moment longer. "The new owners seem nice," I added, nodding toward the couple who were already inspecting the living room with analytical eyes. "I'm sure they'll appreciate all those renovations you never got around to doing." Jack's face reddened. "You can't just-" "I can and I did," I cut him off. I turned to leave, then paused at the door. "Oh, and Jack? About the Phoenix Project? Ask your *darling* Lucy to handle it. " After leaving the house, I instructed Rachel to take me to Golden leaf Manor. I couldn't face returning to Shaw Estate and seeing the disappointed tears in my mother's eyes. The elderly butler welcomed me warmly at the entrance. "Welcome back, Miss Annie." He took my coat, his voice filled with genuine care I hadn't heard in a long time. "I'm exhausted. Have someone come up for a massage," I said as I climbed the stairs, removing my earrings and handing them to Rachel who followed closely behind. "Of course, Ms. Shaw. I'll also have soup sent up," Rachel replied respectfully, accepting the jewelry with both hands. Immersed in the warm bathtub, I felt the tension gradually leave my body. The masseuse's skilled hands were so comfortable that I nearly fell asleep. When her fingers brushed over the intimate marks on my body, there was only a momentary pause-she said nothing. This was exactly why I preferred Goldenleaf Manor-the staff here knew what to notice and what to ignore. "The water temperature is good?" the masseuse ask