ure beside the gate for

the garden, my stomach twisted with dread. Was it only a coincidence? Perhaps an inquisitive neighbor? The mansio

ng about that fi

running about before, so I thought it strange that she didn't beg to go outside again. Rather, she spent the most of the day in her

surrounded by, as well as this location, seemed off. I attempted to ignore the emotion. I was analyzing

d and went to bed early, her rabbit tucked safely in her arms, despite my best efforts

ear her quiet breathing. I looked down in my pocket to see whether there was a message from Jaden or a rem

hing al

e number. Though he hadn't provided me with a direct phone number, it may have been Brya

or not to answer, and

wed up before I cou

ou in the garden.

I was staring at the computer when my hands began to shake. My head was filled with a million questio

I hurriedly scribbled

is?" I ask

ing

. It was quite quiet. Examining the windows in the hallway, I almost expected to find someone observing

the door. Zara, you're overreacting. However, the advice to exerci

stress. Tension crawled through my skin with every creak in the house and

ags under my eyes than normal, and I felt as if I was thinking through a fog. In an attempt to get

ember was preparing her breakfast. Though her appearance was more carefree than it had bee

attempting to sound upbeat d

y as she looked up

, I took a seat across from her and glanced at the newspaper that one of t

billionaire business

ng as icy and self-assured as ever. I wasn't surprised by the headline. His name seems to be in the headlines c

the Corbin estate

led against Bryant-claims of wrongdoing, property issues. Though the specifics were u

serving us have anything to do with any of these disputes?

o draw hasty judgments. The pit i

't bring up the garden, and she didn't bring it up. Having the image o

ay went on, Naomi became a bit more talkative and even laughed when we made a blanket f

ng in one of her picture books, we sat to

m her paper, Naomi shrugged

itching to find out more and why she appeared to be so closed off. She wa

from the same unidentif

be careful," sa

rt racing. **Who are you?** My

fe there," sai

** What was meant by that? Another commu

he house," said **U

surveyed the space with my eyes. Everything seemed regular. There was silence in the ho

problem. I was a

to my feet, my pulse ra

ran over to her without thinkin

at is in

leave." I took her rabbit and put it in

, Naomi nodded, but

were they wanting us to go?Before I could reach the door, however, there was a qu

now standing in the living room doorway. With a black coat on, he stood str

e caution," he remarked