In a world where trust is a luxury, secrets are deadly, and love is the most dangerous weapon of all...
Avery Caine thought she was just another orphan with a quiet life-until the brutal murder of her guardian shatters everything she knows. Now, hun...
As we stepped into Rick's apartment, a sense of weariness settled over me like a heavy cloak. The events of the day had left me emotionally drained, and the familiar surroundings offered little solace.
Without a word, I made a beeline for the staircase on the left side of the living room, eager to retreat to the sanctuary of my room. Before I could reach the stairs, Rick's voice stopped me in my tracks.
"Avery, wait."
I paused, turning to face him, my heart heavy with the knowledge of what was coming next. His gaze was steady, unwavering, and I could see the unspoken question in his eyes.
"The letter," he said, his tone soft but firm. "I need to see it."
I hesitated for a moment, my mind racing. The letter from Maria felt like a secret burden, something I wasn't ready to share – not even with Rick. But as I glanced down at the box in my hand, the one that held the letter and my childhood picture, I knew I couldn't keep it from him any longer.
With a sigh that seemed to echo through the room, I handed the box to Rick, feeling as if I were putting down a weight too heavy to carry alone. Rick took the box and nodded, his eyes searching mine for something I couldn't quite decipher.
I nodded back, not trusting myself to speak, and turned away, leaving him with the letter that might hold the key to everything. Climbing the stairs with a sense of urgency, I reached my room and closed the door behind me, shutting out the world beyond.
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Setting Maria's diary that I had brought from the orphanage on my nightstand, I felt a surge of emotion welling up within me. But I pushed the feelings aside for now. There would be time to confront them later.
Turning away from the nightstand, I headed for the bathroom, my steps heavy with exhaustion. Stripping off my clothes, I stepped into the shower, the warm water washing over me like a cleansing tide. The sensation of the water against my skin was invigorating, but it did little to ease the tension that had settled into my muscles.
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After what felt like an eternity, I emerged from the shower and stood before the mirror, the steam slowly dissipating around me. I wiped away the fog from the mirror, revealing my reflection staring back at me.
