AVA MONROE'S POV
Rain lashed against the windowpane like an angry lover
denied entry, wild and unapologetic.
The storm outside seemed to echo the one raging inside me.
I stood in the hallway of Kingsley Manor, frozen. Ethan had left for a sudden board meeting, or at least that's what his assistant had
said. Something told me it wasn't just business.
I clutched the silk robe around my waist and padded barefoot down the stairs.
The storm had knocked out half the estate's lights. Shadows swirled across the walls like ghosts.
And then I heard it.
A faint crash, like something glass hitting the floor.
I followed the sound. Past the drawing room. Past the study.
Into the unused east wing Ethan had told me never to wander into.
But curiosity was a louder voice than caution.
The hallway was dark, but the door at the end stood ajar, a soft light flickering inside.
I pushed it open.
And there she was.
Lena.
Wearing Ethan's shirt. Her lipstick smudged. Her eyes wide.
