The following day was gray and overcast, a perfect reflection of Victoria’s mood. She stared out the window, watching the rain fall in soft, relentless sheets, feeling as if the world outside mirrored the turmoil inside her. Despite Sophie’s encouragement, the heaviness in her chest didn’t lighten.

“Vic?” Sophie’s voice broke through the fog of her thoughts. She entered the living room, a warm cup of tea in her hands. “I thought you might like this.”

“Thanks,” Victoria replied, taking the steaming mug. She wrapped her fingers around it, letting the warmth seep into her cold hands, but the gesture couldn’t thaw the chill that had settled deep within her....