ACE
The front door slammed with such force that the chandelier trembled.
Alice startled in Lily’s arms, a sharp gasp leaving her as her fingers tightened in the fabric of Lily’s shirt. Lily instinctively turned her body, shielding her, one hand already moving in slow, soothing strokes along Alice’s back.
I didn’t need to look to know who it was.
Ella.
Her heels struck the marble floor like gunshots as she stormed inside, the faint smell of wine and expensive perfume trailing behind her. Her dress—once pristine—was ruined, an ugly stain splashed across the front like a badge of humiliation she hadn’t yet processed.
Her eyes locked onto us immediately.
“So,” she said, her voice trembling with fury, “this is it? This is how you handle things now?”
“Lower your voice,” I said sharply.
