"Has your brother called you yet?"
"He has. Come upstairs and help your mother decide what sort of welcome gift would be appropriate." Wilhelmina's gentle voice drifted down from above.
Rebekah headed up the stairs, leaving Leda standing alone in the entryway, completely ignored.
Preparations for Ablett's fiancée were in full swing at the McCarthy estate. The housekeepers had been bustling about since early morning, scrubbing floors, airing linens, and even preparing Ablett's private wing so his fiancée would have her own space.
Not even when Leda had been with Ablett had she ever received such special treatment.
The thought twisted in her chest, sharp and cold.
He was her man. He was only supposed to marry her.
***
Blanche and Caleb returned to their hotel, where they buried themselves in work for several hours. Later, Blanche took a shower, changed into the new dress she'd bought for the occasion, and picked up the carefully wrapped gift she'd prepared before heading out.
As she stepped into the hallway, the door to the next room swung open and a server rolled out a room service trolley.
She paused, a little surprised. The trays on the cart were untouched—whoever had ordered the meal hadn't eaten a single bite. What a waste, she thought absently.
***
Eddy lay sprawled across the king-sized bed, eyes open, haunted by visions of Blanche. In his mind, she was there with him, her touch clinging to his skin. He didn't dare reach for her—he knew it was only an illusion.
When he closed his eyes, he saw her again, delicate and playful beneath him, their bodies entwined.
He couldn't bring himself to open his eyes now, dreading that one blink would make her vanish.
He knew none of it was real. Blanche wasn't here—she was gone. But he couldn't stop himself. The longing was too powerful.
He buried his face into the mattress, desperate to pretend she was really there, her warmth enveloping him, her breath against his skin.
***
"Thank you."
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