h the rain-soaked streets. The message from Marcus still burned in

epared for was the sudden knoc

soft glow of the table lamp casting long shadows

renched and tremb

crets she could no longer hold. The years abroad hadn'

e broken. "I'm sorry. I nev

ened, pain and anger f

here now?"

, seated and pale. A jolt of guilt an

e tears threatening to spill. "There's so much you don't know.

suddenly back-no longer the fleeing bride but a storm ready

ftly, standing. "But if you want the t

, eyes lockin

people Sean's family had warned him about, debts she owed, threats against their family name. She h

en disbelief and a deep,

chor, steadying Sean when his w

ces of her return, Sean and Elora sat in silence

nce the wedding, Sean

wanted things to happen. But ma

, hope flickering t

onger than

st began to grow, shado

ng, waiting for th

on secrets, the past nev