Chapter 61

Mirabelle’s POV

“Mirabelle?” Ken’s voice was gentle but insistent. “What is it?”

I sighed and pushed my chair back abruptly. “I have to go.” I said, smiling. “I’m sorry, Ken, I can’t do this right now.”

“Mirabelle, wait—” he started, but I was already walking out of the restaurant, the door slamming shut behind me.

I got home earlier than usual and found Jamie tidying up the living room. She looked up as I came in, her eyes widening when she saw my face.

“Is everything alright, Mrs. Sylvester?” she asked, setting down the duster. I opened my mouth to say yes, to tell her not to worry, but instead, something inside me broke.

“No,” I said, and my voice cracked. “No, Jamie, nothing is alright.” She was by my side in an instant, guiding me to the kitchen table and pushing a steaming cup of tea into my hands.

I didn’t even realize I was crying until I tasted the salt of my tears on my lips.

“Take your time, dear,” Jamie said softly,