Chapter 63

AVA

The sizzling of the eggs in the pan was the only sound in the kitchen as I stood at the stove, trying to keep my thoughts focused on breakfast. I had been up for hours, tossing and turning, my mind restless with everything that had happened with Liam. The mornings were the worst—when the quiet made it impossible to escape my own thoughts.

Just as I was about to plate the eggs, the doorbell rang, jolting me out of my reverie. I glanced at the clock on the wall; it was early. Far too early for visitors. I wiped my hands on my apron and headed to the front door, my heart beating a little faster with each step.

When I opened the door, I was greeted by an elderly woman with a polite smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Her gaze was sharp, assessing, as if she were sizing me up. She wore a tailored coat and had a scarf draped around her neck, her appearance meticulously put together despite the early hour.

“Good morning,” she said in a smooth, almost too-friendly tone. “You must be A