with a force that left her o

verberated, sending a sh

ened cheek and the tears cascad

ntervening, but stopped as Verena pul

like that," Verena murmured, her voice thick with remorse

wept quietly, hidin

ce of Verena ever raising her hand against N

against entering the hospital room, and turn

resigned herself to gather her belong

ough the car window at the home aglow w

efly before unlatching her

pproached with two maids, his

you. She has matters to discuss,"

e small garden in the backyard, where Ri

ing was well-known, and Ricky had thoughtfully built a greenhouse in the backya

, a steaming cup of tea in hand. Spotting Emma, she sm

teps, calling out wi

nd warmly, motioning fo

arby, Irene's hand rested lightly on

u'd be back ages ago, but you only got

om the mansion after signing the divorce papers. Emma masked the truth w

mma, you've been married to Ricky for two years. Don't

hesitated, her

g and busy with your careers, but I'm not getting any younger. Having a

nod, hiding the helples

Ricky had never so much as

arden until nearly eleven, partin

arranged everything-her luggage unpacked, her pajamas

hes and sank into the warm,

muscles, while her favorite lavender bath salts

y eyelids began to droop, and she dr

ast body of water, her lungs burning with the effort to breathe

tness of the bathroom lights. Her chest heaved, a

ix of concern and irritation. It hadn't all been a dream. She had

muttered, his voice cold as he withdrew his hand. His express

er eyes took in Ricky's composed figure in his

in her room, much

she asked, her tone

as he tossed the used towel onto the counter. He handed her

ction. After he left the bathroom, she dried herself qui

his fingers. As Emma moved to the bed, drying her damp hair wit

er freshly bathed skin glowed with a gentle blush, her features touched by warmth from the steam.

e, forgot the cigarette in his hand until the bu

tepped inside the room, pulling the cur

y his actions, her towe

ossing them onto a nearby chair. His

to him, mixing with the clean a

Emma asked, her brows

oom felt foreign, his clos

ing to stay

icky asked, his voice casual as he unfas

d, her throat

es

ants," he said simply, hi