Chapter 2
“I wanted to know where she was.”
“And now you do.”
Alexander glanced toward Grace’s empty bed.
“I don’t want anyone following her.”
Daniel studied him carefully. “Are you certain?”
“No,” Alexander said. “But I’m going to respect what she chose.”
It was the first time in five years that he had said those words about me.
What she chose.
Not what she was feeling.
Not what she would eventually forgive.
Not what he could persuade her to do.
What she chose.
He left the room and walked downstairs, where his mother and Madison were waiting in the sitting room.
His mother had called him three times since dawn. Madison had sent a dozen messages, most of them asking whether I had truly left.
Neither spoke when Alexander entered.
The estate felt different without Grace.
She had never lived there permanently, but she had filled every visit with movement. Her small shoes by the entryway. Her laughter near the staircase. Her habit of asking the household staff whether they had eaten lunch.
Now every room seemed too large.
His mother rose from the sofa.
“Alexander, sit down.”
He remained standing. “Did Emily say anything to you?”
His mother’s expression tightened. “She was upset.”
“That isn’t what I asked.”
“She said she needed space.”
“Did she tell you she was leaving the country?”
“No.”
Madison looked down at her phone.
Alexander noticed.
“What?” he asked.
“Nothing.”
“Madison.”
She swallowed. “I didn’t know she would actually leave.”
His eyes narrowed. “What does that mean?”
“I thought she was angry. Everyone thought she was angry.”
“She told me she was giving me freedom.”
Madison’s face paled slightly. “She didn’t mean—”
“Don’t finish that sentence.”
Their mother moved toward him. “Your wife has suffered an unimaginable loss. She isn’t thinking clearly.”
Alexander looked at her.
“She thought clearly enough to pack Grace’s ashes.”
His mother fell silent.
Madison’s fingers tightened around her phone.
Alexander saw the movement.
“What aren’t you telling me?”
“Nothing,” she repeated.
He took one step closer, not threatening, only exhausted. “You posted that photograph of Olivia and me.”
Madison’s eyes filled with embarrassment. “I deleted it.”
“After Emily saw it.”
“I didn’t know she would be at the hospital.”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
Madison looked toward their mother, but their mother gave no help.
“I thought it would be funny,” she whispered. “Olivia had been talking about how much effort you put into the party. I thought people would tease you both.”