Chapter 7
“Come on.” Marcus’s voice pulled me back to reality.[]
My legs shook as I stood in front of the house.[]
This place the courts had seized held my best memories–and my worst nightmares.[]
After pushed open the door, inside, the old piano still sat in its spot.[]
1 could almost see Emma on violin, Mom keeping time, Dad smiling at the dinner table.[]
Tears blurred my vision. “Thank you for bringing me here.“[]
I ran upstairs and the moment I opened my bedroom door, the dam finally broke. Same beige wallpaper, same lace curtains. Even the little nightlight was exactly where I’d left it.
“This is…” I picked up a trophy with shaking hands. “From my piano recital in third grade.“[
My fingers touched a photo of Emma making silly faces. “We went to SeaWorld. That beluga whale kept splashing all the kids.“]
1 showed Marcus every precious memory, talking a mile a minute.[]
He stood in the doorway, that cold mask slipping into something almost tender. His usually flat eyes were actually bright.
That’s when a middle–aged man in a sharp suit walked up to Marcus respectfully. “Mr. Blake, the paperwork’s all ready.“[]
After Marcus nodded, he gently placed a property transfer agreement in front of me and told me:[]
“Miss Quinn, just sign here and then the house is yours again.“[]
I bit my lip hard, looking up at Marcus. “When did you buy this place?”
“Three years ago,” his voice was quiet. “Saw it at the courthouse auction. Figured I’d find the right time to give it back.“]
My tears spilled over. “Thank you. You even fixed all the damage they did.“[]
The valuable stuff was long gone, but somehow that old piano had made it through.
I signed the papers with shaking hands, then threw my arms around him.[]
He went completely still, even his breath became shallow and careful.[]
“Really, thank you.” I buried my face against his chest, voice breaking. “When I had nothing left, you gave me my home back.“[]
He hesitated, then awkwardly patted my back. “That’s what I should do.“]
As night fell, I touched every wall like I was memorizing them.]
A maid appeared quietly. “Mr. Blake, house is fully stocked.“]
“Stay tonight if you want,” Marcus said, almost smiling. “But tomorrow you’re coming back for treatment.“[]
At his words, I nodded eagerly, the words stuck in my throat.]
This place held all my beautiful memories–but also the horrific ones. I was terrified of facing the long night alone.[]
“Ill take the couch,” he said, as if reading my mind. “and then drive you to your appointment tomorrow.“[]
That night, I actually slept.]
Until sunlight was streaming through the room, I slowly came to.[]
I stumbled out of bed, still half–asleep, and wandered toward the downstairs bathroom.]
Running water echoed from inside. T’igured it was a busted pipe or something, so I just pushed the door open.]]
Steam filled the shower as Marcus stood under the spray.[]
Water ran down his chest, droplets tracing the lines of his abs before disappearing at his waist.]
“OMG! Sorry!” I slammed the door, my face on fire, heart hammering against my ribs.]
Two minutes later the bathroom door opened. Marcus emerged fully dressed, hair still dripping.[]
“Sorry, I didn’t know you were…” I stared at the floor, voice trailing off.]
“I always shower in the mornings.” His tone was casual, like nothing had happened.[]
At breakfast, I kept stealing glances at him.]
Suddenly, his phone buzzed.]]
“You found proof?” His voice went ice–cold, eyes sharp as knives.[]
Anyone who laid a finger on Sarah–they’re all gonna pay.“]
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2002
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