Chapter 42

Elena had just stepped into the house, her heels clicking softly against the tiled floor as she and Mose walked in. The evening air still clung to her clothes, scented with hints of car exhaust, food stalls, and the faint perfume from the boutique.

She dropped her small purse on the console table and sank onto the couch with a sigh, stretching her legs.

“I’ll get something to drink,” Mose said, already moving toward the kitchen. Elena pulled out her phone and opened her chat with Mia, her fingers quickly typing:

“We’re home. You?” She hit send and waited, watching the screen expectantly for the usual typing bubble....