all didn't even look up

a crisp military uniform did the same. Her signature was

ice flat. He stamped the paper and pushed

She folded it neatly and p

voice was as neat as her signatu

ks,"

as practical. This was a practical arrangement. She needed to sto

e high-end apartment building I

anything," she said,

u t

p at the gleaming glass tower. It didn't feel like ho

t wasn't mine. Emily was home. She was on the sofa, feet tucked under her, phone pressed

ice soft and full of concern. "Billy just needs to res

ngaged to this woman. We had picked out this apartment together. Now

ontinued. "The investor meeting c

nally looked at me

atement of fact, like noticing a

g up and grabbing her purse. "Mark is worried about Bil

tarted. "We

d, waving a dismissive h

Emily's face lit up. She hur

rk had a charming, easy smile that never quite reached hi

aid, his voice smooth as honey. "But Bi

d, kneeling to hug the boy. "Come i

ed and leaned against Emily. Mark gave me a brief, trium

r, the hurt, it had all burned away. All that was left was a cold, quiet emptiness.