CHAPTER ONE: RETURN TO AUBERVALE
She was walking.
Walking through the hallway.
Whispers followed her from every direction.
“Murderer.”
“Liar.”
“Cheater.”
She ignored them and kept walking.
Then she saw her.
Audrey Launcet.
Her face was pale, her white dress stained red. Her lips were moving, repeating the same words over and over.
“It’s all your fault.”
“It’s all your fault.”
Her voice grew louder with every repetition.
Arielle covered her ears.
“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”
“Arielle.”
“I’m sorry!”
“Arielle, wake up!”
She heard her name from a distance. A hand was on her face, gently forcing her awake.
“Shh. It’s not your fault.”
“It’s not your fault.”
The reassuring voice slowly pulled her out of the torturous dream, lulling her back into a sleep without dreams.
TEN YEARS LATER
The plane landed at Aubervale Airport, announcing its arrival.
Arielle Monroe stepped off the plane, breezed through the checkpoint, and entered the arrivals hall. Her eyes scanned the crowd.
Then she saw them.
They were holding dark violet irises.
She walked toward them, her throat tightening with tears. She swallowed them down.
“Mom.”
Helen Launcet’s eyes glistened with unshed tears.
“You’re back.”
Arielle turned to Arthur Launcent.
“Dad.”
He nodded and patted her shoulder.
Then she looked at Theodore Launcent.
He stared directly into her eyes, his face devoid of emotion.
Once, Arielle would have broken eye contact and lowered her head to avoid his gaze.
But she wasn't the same girl anymore.
The new Arielle Monroe wasn't afraid of anyone.
Theodore’s lips curled into a small smile as he moved closer and wrapped his arms around her.
She quickly wrapped her arms around him.
“Theo.”
“You’re back.”
Arthur cleared his throat from behind them.
“We have to go.”
Theo released her but took her hand.
Together, they walked out of the airport.
Arielle stepped into Aubervale for the first time in ten years.
Her body tensed.
Theo sensed her discomfort and pulled her closer, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head.
She swallowed hard, her eyes scanning the small town.
It was still the same.
Aubervale had taken her life from her.
Now, she was back to get it back—and make everyone responsible pay.
