f the long, winding driveway and came to a stop

herd her children out of the back seat. Cassie stood for a moment on the bluestone porch, her eyes sweeping over the grand faca

nt door and stood aside. "Welcome," sh

hadows. The moment she was inside, she let out a theatrical sigh and c

ubtle, almost imperceptible nod.

tely started running across the priceless, hand-w

rge, glossy art book-a signed first edition that was one of Aria's m

the room and snatched the book from t

damaged, several pa

nd she let out a pierc

r and scooped the crying child into her arms, glaring at Aria over

property," Aria said

ssie shot back, her voice trembling with manufa

ound of the front door's electronic loc

home. Hours ea

ook in the scene before him: the messy rug, his wife standing st

k and forth. "Oh, Bentley," she cried, her voice choked with sorrow. "I'm so, so sorry. The

incident as her fault, making Aria

to a mask of deep disappointment and anger. He dropped h

acing a comforting hand on her should

was looking at a book, and Aria got upset. It's

ng up the ruined book as evidence. "Sh

oice sharp with irritation. "It's a replaceable object. A child's fe

just taking Cassie's side; he was invalidating Aria's fee

commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. "And then I want yo

d cradled her against his chest, murmuring soft, soothing words. He then guided

the wreckage. She watched the three of them ascend the stairs-Be

d over her. In that moment, she had never felt m

trembled. With a sudden, violent motion, she threw it into

ond-floor hallway, the last spark of hope for her marriage died. Al