Chapter 3

Curtis emerged from the bathroom with the soft sound of his footsteps padding across the carpet toward the other side of the bed. The mattress dipped as he slipped beneath the covers, a corner of the duvet lifting.

Leanne caught a whiff of a subtly cold fragrance, a crisp, penetrating scent that seemed to seep into her bones, the woody notes mixed with his body heat, with a hint of tobacco lingering in the background.-

It was Curtis’ signature scent.

The dim glow from the nightlight barely reached the bed, and the night was so still that their even breaths were the only sounds breaking the silence.

Each occupied half of the bed, setting a cold, invisible barrier between them.

After lying quietly for a while, Leanne gazed in Curtis’ direction. Maybe it was the darkness, but his features seemed more chiseled and distant.

“Aren’t you asleep yet?” she ventured.

Curtis’ weary, slightly irritable voice broke the silence of the dark, “Keep it down.”

Leanne touched the pendant around her neck and then turned her back to him.

When Leanne woke up the next day, Curtis was already up.

She got up, freshened up, and when she walked into the living room, she saw Curtis neatly dressed, sitting at the dining table, browsing the real-time stock quotes on his tablet.

He looked up briefly when he heard her. “Where’s Laura?”

Leanne opened the fridge. “I let her go.”

frowned but didn’t comment

of ham, lettuce, and cheese to make two sandwiches she brought to the dining area.

glanced at them. “Is this what you usually eat?”

to work in the mornings, she often settled for just a few

“Take it or leave it.”

cat’s meow sounded behind the sofa, and Leanne turned to see a

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Chapter 3

of strays huddled by the hospital during a downpour weeks ago. The newborn kittens were trembling, soaked to the bone,

bones.

old enough to be adopted. She hadn’t expected Curtis to return from his year-long stay in

and wanted to bring it home. When she asked for his opinion over the

a spare room, but somehow, it had been clever enough to escape.

brow furrowed. “Where did this

Leanne uncomfortable. She went to pick up the cat,

should apply

putting the cat back in the room, Leanne returned to find Curtis donning his coat and the untouched

adjusting his tie in the mirror and sentenced the cat to exile without looking back. “Get rid of

Leanne didn’t engage.

a few kittens. Why

was wealthy, yet his heart seemed

caught her expression in the mirror. “What are you silently accusing me of

Leanne retorted. “ll ensure they’re confined and won’t escape again. I’ll disinfect the house daily,

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