Chapter 51

• Leila
• I stared at the Oriental rug beneath my feet, its intricate patterns blurring at the edges as Uncle Derek's voice cut through the silence.
• "Although what Irene said was unpleasant, it does make sense." His polished shoes clicked against the hardwood as he stepped closer, the shadow of his tweed jacket falling over me like a shroud. "Today is the first time you've come back since getting married, and Lucas should have accompanied you no matter what."