I sensesomething amiss the moment I step into the penthouse, but I shake it off, telling myself that the quiet likely means Olivia fell back asleep. She did say she had a headache, after all.
Shutting the door behind me, I balance the paper bag of painkillers and the small white box from The Nookin one hand and cross the entryway. The faint scent of lilies and bergamot still lingers in the air, remnants of Olivia’s favorite perfume. It curls around me, warm and familiar, and I let it settle my nerves for a moment.
I stood in line at The Nook longer than I would have preferred just to get her that blueberry muffin. I didn’t like the idea of leaving her alone, but she so rarely requested anything of me that there was no possibility that I would return empty-handed. Seeing her smile would be my reward.
The past few days have been difficult for Olivia, but I’ll fix it. I just need to remind her of how happy she can be with me. This weekend, I will shower her with everything I have—all my attention and every ounce of my affection, whatever it takes to reel her back in.
As I make my way to the kitchen to set everything down on the counter, I still can’t shake off the sense of unease. I strain to listen, hoping to hear the faint rustle of fabric or the soft pad of her footsteps. But there’s nothing. Just the steady hum of the refrigerator and the low tick of the clock mounted near the kitchen.
Something’s not right.
It’s ridiculous. She’s probably curled up in bed. She wouldn’t leave without telling me.
But my pulse doesn’t slow.
I cross the living room and head directly for the bedroom. The moment I step inside, my stomach twists.
The covers lay undisturbed, folded neatly at the corners, just as I left them.
I freeze in the doorway, the world narrowing to the empty expanse of linen in front of me. Then my gaze sweeps the room before landing on the nightstand, where I see it.
Her necklace.
No.
It lies coiled like a serpent beside the lamp, the diamond catching the light from the window. It shouldn’t be anywhere but her neck. I made her promise, and she has upheld it…until now.
My chest hollows out.
I step forward slowly, as if moving too fast would shatter the fragile hold I have on reality. My hand hovers above it, but I can’t bring myself to touch it.
She knows.
The realization is like a blow to the ribs, leaving me gasping. I feel the shift in my bones—the fragile line I’ve been toeing for months has finally snapped. She knows I’ve been watching.
I finally grasp the necklace, taking it with me as I sink onto the edge of the bed, my fingers closing around it in a fist. It feels heavier now, weighted with the truth I can’t escape.
It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. I have been careful—so careful.Every touch. Every glance. Every kiss. Measured to perfection so she’d never look too closely at the cracks beneath.
I press the heels of my hands into my eyes, fighting back the burn in my throat.
I don’t let go of the necklace. It remains looped between my fingers like a noose I tied myself.
I push up from the bed and call out, “Olivia!”
No answer.
I check the ensuite bathroom. The guest room. The gym. The terrace.
I open the closets like a man possessed, as though this is some kind of twisted game of hide-and-seek. But each room echoes back my silence, mocking me with its stillness.
She said she had a headache.That’s what I remind myself. Maybe she slipped out for a walk, a breath of fresh air. Maybe—maybe.
I return to the living room, pulse hammering as I lower myself onto the edge of the couch. I’m still holding the necklace. It cuts into my palm, cold and sharp. I press the chain to my lips like a prayer.
She’ll come back.
I pull out my phone and send her a message.
