first. The familiar scent of bergamot and polished wood was gone, replaced by a

s cold through her thin shoes. To her right, the formal

silk sofa was her father, Harrison, his posture stiff and unyielding. Next to him was Meredith, her stepmother, holding a

ion. Arlie knew because she had cut the advertisement out of a magazine in the f

smile. She set her cup down and rose, gliding across the roo

formance. Kaelynn's perfume-gardenia-wrapped around Arlie like a chain. When Kaelyn

, his jaw tight. "It's good you're back.

you.' No 'I missed you.'

ve mirrors where you were? Well, no matter. And as for your trust fund, Harrison and I have decided to re

frantic rhythm that drowned out their voices. Her eyes s

asked, her voice crac

om

stood at the top of the stairs. He was taller. So much taller. His hair was cut short, style

s hand. He looked down at her, his face light

irs, reaching out a hand. "Jul

ant step toward Arlie, his brow furrowed in a flicker of confusion, a ghost of a memory in his eyes. Then he glanced toward Kaelynn, w

raight to

irt, holding up the Lego ship. "Mo

there, her hand still hanging in the empty air, her heart sha

r smile softening. "That's wonder

She dropped her hand, taking a shaky step to

ace vanished, replaced by something cold. Something fearful. H

're a bad lady! Daddy said you were

ered back, her hand flying to her mouth to

mean to scare you." She looked up at Arlie, her eyes wide with mock sympathy. "I'm so sorry,

e choked out, the wo

redith snapped. "Look at hi

ison added, his voice hard

his little shoulders. He pointed a trembling finger

in the chest. It was soft, light, harmless. It didn't hurt her body at all. But the impact

ulder, rocking him gently. "Shh, let's go upstairs. We don't need to look at the s

he woman who had destroyed her. She watched him disap

to her palms so hard she felt blood. She didn't cry. She wouldn't give them t

one is

was deep, smooth, and utterly devo

looked perfect. Untouchable. His blue eyes swept over her, taking in the grey dress, the messy hair, the bloo

, "Let's go to the dining room.