I woke early the next morning, my heart heavy with the weight of the conversation I knew I needed to have with Luke. As I dressed, I rehearsed what I would say in my head, trying to find the right words to express my feelings without sounding accusatory.
Making my way downstairs, I was surprised to find the house quiet. Usually, by this time, my mother would be in the kitchen preparing breakfast, and Luke would be in the study, working on his latest writing project. Instead, I found a note on the kitchen table in my mother's handwriting:
"Bella, dear,
Your father and I have gone into town for some errands. We'll be back by lunchtime. Luke and Sia left early for a meeting with a potential investor for the publishing house. Jane is still asleep.
Love, Mother"
I felt a pang of hurt that
