Aria
I sat at my desk, staring down at the new bouquet of flowers Daniel had sent. The scent was delicate, and the vibrant petals seemed to mock the careful peace I’d finally begun to build around myself. I had thought—hoped—that with the return of Tessa’s mother, Daniel would leave me alone, focus on the life that actually belonged to him.
Adele hovered nearby, waiting for my next instructions.
“You can go.” I wave her away.
As soon as she disappeared, I picked up the note tucked among the blooms.
“Ignore everything you’ve seen on the news. Please. Come to my house for dinner tonight. I need to explain everything in person.”
My fingers trembled slightly as I read it. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Just yesterday, Sunday, I had felt light, almost unburdened. I had gone to sle
