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
/1/119390/coverbig.jpg?v=df0fbe5bbeadac516c1d0dccec060bdd&imageMogr2/format/webp)