Chapter 105

Morning came in a frenzy. At exactly 9am on the dot saw Adrian at Amelia’s apartment. The house was unusually quiet. Why not? Time was meticulously planned. Hazel had left for school, Betty and the twins had stepped out for a morning walk, leaving Amelia alone with her thoughts— and her mother, quietly observing from the shadows of the living room.

He stepped out of his car, looking around the environs, nodding his head in top notch satisfaction. Amelia always had good taste. He walked up to the door and rang the doorbell, his heart fluttering with a dangerous mix of hope and relief.

Amelia opened the door at the second ring and Adrian stepped in, the faintest trace of a smile on his lips, trying to steady his racing heart.

“Amelia,” he said, voice light but tinged with anticipation, “your apartment… it looks… beautiful.”

Amelia’s expression remained neutral.

“Thank you,” she replied simply, letting him in before guiding him to the living room.

“P