Aria's POV

The silence of the house was a gift I hadn't expected to receive. For an entire week, the driveway stayed empty of Damon’s SUV. He was next door, playing the role of the devoted caretaker, the hero in Brenda's unfolding drama. I knew exactly where he was—the neighborhood was too small for secrets, and the sight of his car parked outside her gate every morning and every night was a constant, dull hum in the background of my life.

But for the first time in years, I didn't feel ...