Chapter 1
The front door slammed so hard that the family portrait hanging in the hallway tilted sideways.
Amelia didn't bother fixing it.
"If you're going to accuse me," she snapped, kicking off her heels, "at least have the decency to know what you're talking about."
Ryan followed her inside, his jaw tight.
"I know exactly what I'm talking about."
She laughed once.
A short, bitter laugh.
"Oh, really?"
"You've been spending late nights with your boss."
"I've been working."
"You always say that."
"Because it's true!"
"You didn't answer your phone."
"I was in a meeting."
"You didn't call back."
"I fell asleep!"
"You always have an excuse."
Amelia threw her handbag onto the couch.
"No, Ryan."
Her voice dropped.
"I have a job."
Silence.
Heavy.
Dangerous.
Ryan stepped closer.
"I don't like the way he looks at you."
She blinked.
"What?"
"Your boss."
"My boss barely knows I exist."
"He knows enough."
She stared at him.
Then laughed again.
This time, it sounded exhausted.
"You are jealous of a man who doesn't even know my favorite color."
Ryan clenched his fists.
"You think I'm stupid?"
"I think you're insecure."
The words landed harder than she'd intended.
His face changed.
That was the moment she knew she'd gone too far.
"You know what?" he said quietly.
"I'll show you how much he knows you."
Before she could react...
He stormed out.
The front door slammed again.
The apartment fell silent.
Amelia rubbed her temples.
"He'll cool off," she whispered to herself.
She didn't know those would be the last peaceful words she'd speak for a very long time.
