Ellie's POV
The next morning I woke up tired, like the night had pressed down on me and refused to let go. I reached for Ethan, but the sheets were already cold. He was gone.
A soft knock came at the door. I dragged myself up and opened it just a little. A servant stood there, head bowed, holding out an envelope.
“It was left for you, my lady. Addressed to… Lady Lia,” he said, and then walked away.
I shut the door fast and leaned against it, my chest tightening. Lia. That name again. The mask I wore, the lie I carried, the thing I could never escape.
I sat on the bed and broke the seal. The words were short, neat.
Meet me at the children’s school. I expect feedback. Signed, John.
My hands shook. So he wasn’t exposing me. Not yet. But why?
“Is he playing with me?” I muttered.
I re
