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Assert yourself. Take control.

“I’ll be right back,” I say, not waiting for Edwin’s approval.

His eyes follow me as I hurry towards the church. Evelyn rounds the building just as I catch up with her.

She turns slowly, and a soft smile appears when she sees me. The expression seems tired, more habit than feeling.

“I wanted to apologize for leaving your house abruptly,” I say. “I don’t want it to seem like I wasn’t appreciative of all that your family did for me. I’m forever grateful.”

“It’s alright, Zaiya,” she says gently. “I understand the pull of love.”

That word makes warmth rise in my chest. I want to believe that what I have with Edwin is love. Not just a powerful obsession, but real, true love.

“Things with Edwin happened fast.” I swallow hard. “But he’s a good man. I just hope it doesn’t keep us from being friends.”

Her eyes search my face with a sudden intensity.

“You won’t leave me, will you? Calista wants to leave.”

My chest pinches with guilt.

“Of course not,” I say quickly. “I won’t.”

Then I think of Frank. Of Calista’s revelation. I wonder if Evelyn knows how deep Frank’s secret goes.

I step closer, lowering my voice. “Has Frank been acting strange lately?”

Evelyn’s brow creases. “No.”

She reaches up to tuck a piece of her perfectly arranged hair behind her ear. A streak of blood is on her arm.

I catch her hand before she can lower it. “Oh my gosh, are you okay?” I look her over for more signs of injury. There’s dried blood on her collarbone. “Evelyn, what happened? Did Frank do this to you?”

She smiles solemnly.

“Everything is fine, Zaiya.” Her voice is calm, like she’s repeating something she’s been told to believe. “We do what we can in a man’s world, hoping it will be enough.” Her fingers brush my cheek with a maternal touch that I lean into. “But is it ever enough?”

My body freezes. She steps around me and walks away, her white dress drifting through the dim light like some celestial being.

I stare after her, dread spreading through me. Something is wrong. She’s in danger.

I have to help her.

Hands suddenly clamp onto my shoulders.

With a gasp, I twist, ready to fight, ready to scream.

Then I see the blue nail polish.

It’s Marcus.

He leans in close to whisper in my ear.

“Ghost.”

CHAPTER 39

ZAIYA