The days that followed were filled with a somber atmosphere. Arabella remained holed up in her room, dreading the possibility of crossing paths with Mason within the house.
Fortunately, he hadn't returned to the Donovan mansion yet. Instead, Mason occupied himself by shuttling between the office, the hospital where his mother was, and indulging in the seedy distractions of brothels.
Seeking solace amidst the turmoil, Arabella turned to sleeping pills to coax some rest from her weary mind.
As the fourth day descended into night, she found herself preparing to retire when the ringtone of her cell phone pierced the silence.
"Arabella Collins," she answered, her voice carrying a hint of weariness.
"There's a new restaurant opening in town. Can you be ready by 8 p.m.?" The voice on the o
