CHLOE’s POV

The morning after felt calm and cool, yet heavier.

Like the house itself was tired of secrets.

The smell of strong coffee floated through the air, but it didn’t help my nerves. My head was pounding, my stomach twisting. Every sound, every knock, every footstep, made me flinch.

Jake had left early again, saying something about “unfinished business.” His tone was calm, but I could feel it, he was piecing things together, one suspicion at a time.

I stood by the window, ...