Briony met his gaze, her lips pale but curling into a faint smile. "At this point, playing what-if only brings more trouble," she said softly.

She rose to her feet and looked away, her voice as gentle as a midnight breeze drifting into the man's chest. "I've let it go. You should, too."

Upstairs, in the guest bedroom.

Cedric Clarke eased open the door. The small nightlight glowed softly in one

corner.

On the big bed, Aster was sprawled out, fast asleep.

Cedric stepped inside, eyes sweeping the room.

No sign of Stella.

He paused, assuming she wasn't there—until he heard something from the bathroom. A muffled sound: a woman trying to stifle her sobs.

Cedric's heart seized, as if caught in a vise.

He rushed to the bathroom, grabbing the handle, but the door wouldn't budge. It was locked from the inside.

Leaning his forehead against the door, he lowered his voice. "Star, can you open the door?"

The crying stopped for a moment, but Stella gave no reply.

He tried to coax her, voice hoarse. "It's my fault. I was an ass. Just open up, okay? I'll get down on my knees and beg-whatever you want."

Still nothing.

Cedric grew frantic. Stella had lost her temper before, but she'd never shut herself away like this, crying alone.

He realized his words tonight must have really hurt her.

"Star, I said the wrong thing. Will you please come out? Hit me if you want, just

yourself away and

Still no answer.

of options, Cedric turned

Stewart were about to head to the

"What's wrong?" Briony asked.

herself in the

Briony fell silent.

have a washboard?" Cedric

pointed toward the laundry

"Thanks."

got the bathroom key from Briony. Without another word, he

his nose, half-amused. "Didn't know

Briony glanced at him.

looked back at

met, the air

first to look away, turning to

slender silhouette,

...

backyard was alive with

Hannah, and a few others were playing with

and

clever, and irresistibly cute. Nina, especially, with

had their phones out, snapping away-kneeling, crouching, sideways, vertical, every angle imaginable, determined to

chase after the kids but happily interacting from her seat. She'd get

Briony's twins were

back into his pocket and stood up-just

walked over. "Kids

up to bed," Briony answered, her

if I haven't

with me?"

here-peaceful, perfect for a friendly

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