a's

e gone into tha

line-one that no apology would smooth over. But the thing about secrets i

e refused to let go. The yellowed newspaper pages, together with the sealed letter and the photograph o

rt space into a strategic game field. I ha

o would somehow transfer strength from her to me. She had been beautiful-poised in that quiet way that made peopl

'd carr

w I wa

no one expec

pushed the folder beneath my pillow before o

e person who kno

ng her hands behind her back

still warm. The gentle smile on her face did not hide her pierci

she gave me the tea.

before tilting her head to face me. The expression on

t trust didn't come easily-not when my entire pres

out my mother," I admitte

sed. "I figured as much

e off guard.

f remember her. She was... quiet. Kept to herself.

ven though I could g

of the house. Of course, no one dared speak of it out l

eart

ased her," I

Claire said gently. "Rewrite stories. Burn

to my tea. "But

ire said.

ould occur rather than giving a command or caution. The

turned to their usual daily tasks as gardeners tended to the hedges and workers prepared

d into the breakfast r

as alrea

ed in and maintained his silence throughout my seat at the sidebo

ng to ignore the weight of his silence. Jus

ept th

fr

ked over my s

eet mine. "You plan on

't kno

s if that answer

night. It was signed by my father, redirecting money to an account under y

eath

orted her. Qui

telling me th

osable to him," Damien said. "

pology. It was

n't dismis

mething i

ning, p