Chapter 59
The scent of roasted meat and spicy herbs drifted in the air as the sun dipped behind the trees. The sky outside was a fiery orange, dimming slowly as the evening crept in. Maya stood at the kitchen sink with her mother, rinsing fresh tomatoes, while her younger sister danced around the parlor, humming a tune with no rhythm.
A loud knock echoed at the front door.
Maya stiffened.
She didn’t need to guess who it was. She could feel him, Bennett. His presence always carried a chill beneath its charm. Her chest tightened, hands frozen above the sink. She heard her sister’s soft footsteps race to the door, followed by a cheerful greeting.
“Maya, someone’s here,” her sister called.
Before Maya could respond, her mother wiped her hands on her apron and turned to her with a knowin
