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Chapter 8

Author: Bil
last update Last Updated: 2024-11-29 03:48:25

When Alexis stepped through the front door, she was greeted by the warm glow of the foyer chandelier and the faint aroma of lavender from the diffusers her mother adored.

Despite the familiar comforts of home, her heart was heavy, and her mind raced with thoughts of Julian, Ryan, and everything that had unfolded.

Before she could slip quietly upstairs, her mother’s voice called out from the living room.

“Alexis? Is that you?”

She froze mid step, closing her eyes briefly before turning toward the source of the voice. “Yes, Mom. I’m home.”

Her mother, a poised woman with an impeccable sense of style, emerged from the living room, her silk blouse as unwrinkled as her calm exterior. But the look in her eyes betrayed her concern.

“Where have you been?” her mother asked, her tone sharp but laced with worry. “You left the charity event early, and no one could reach you. I called at least ten times.”

Alexis sighed, setting her clutch down on the console table by the stairs. “I just needed som
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