Alethea

He takes his time before finally answering.

"Just an old friend. We don’t talk much anymore, though." He shrugs, then offers a reassuring smile. "Anyway, feel at home. I’ll come around later this evening to show you around. Trust me, you’ll love it here."

"Thanks," I say, giving him a polite nod before making my way inside.

This is the fresh start I need.

I gently set Declan down on the couch, letting him rest while we settle into the house. It’s exhausting work, unpacking and arranging everything, but once it’s done, I sink onto the couch with a deep sigh. I grab the remote and flip through the...