Nineteen years ago

Adelaide

Mother squeezed my hand, her usual Montague mask gone as her smile shone my direction. So much for reverse psychology. It was too late. She wouldn't be able to influence Father. His decision was set.

"Adelaide," Alton said with a grand gesture as he stepped forward and placed a warm kiss to my cheek.

I tried to remember Dr. Sams' therapy. I tried to take in this moment, not only with my eyes, but with all of my senses. ...