Amelia tried to shake off the lingering heaviness from the phone call as she stepped back onto the terrace. She plastered a smile on her face when Oliver ran up to her, waving another seashell triumphantly.
She ruffled his hair and sent him back to his treasures, but Andrew was already watching her—his sharp eyes catching everything she tried to hide.
He stood slowly, his coffee abandoned, his posture loose but alert, like he was ready to catch her if she broke.
“You okay?” he asked, voice low.
Amelia nodded too quickly. “Yeah. Fine.”
Andrew moved closer, his gaze never leaving her face. “You’re a terrible liar.”
She let out a weak laugh, her defenses slipping.
He reached out, his fingers brushing her arm lightly, grounding her. “Talk to me.”
“I just…” she trailed off, her throat t
