ved. Ethan's ident

een photos, heard stories. Now, he stood before me, a ghost of Ethan, the same height, the same build, the same dark hair a

ctor, a "spiritual guide," Marcus explained, who had been his compassionate partner, helping him through his demanding work in remote

h perhaps a fraction smoother, more practiced. He took my hands, his grip firm, solicito

overly attentive behavior unsettling. Izzy glided to his side, placing a calming hand on his arm.

Eleanor's insistence. She said she wanted to look after me, after "Ethan's child." One evening, unable to sleep, I

ing to eavesdrop, but Eleanor's voice, usuall

ow could you do this to

ran col

, abandoned her, for that... that manipulative charla

niably Ethan. "Isabella is sick. She has a rare, aggressive leukemia. The doctors... they only gave he

, stifling a gasp. Faked

or's voice was softer now, t

zzy... when she's gone, I'll come back to Sarah and our

us betrayal? The room spun. The man I loved, the fathe