CHAPTER 48

Agatha POV:

James’s words echoed in my head, a sinister lullaby that chased away any hope of sleep.

“Nathan Richards is not the man you think he is… his past is full of secrets. Secrets that could destroy you.”

Destroy me? What did that even mean?

What secrets could be so terrible? The questions gnawed at me, twisting my stomach into knots.

I’d tried to dismiss James’s words as the bitter ramblings of a scorned man, a desperate attempt to manipulate me, to drive a wedge between Nathan and me.

But doubt, like a persistent weed, had taken root, its tendrils wrapping around my heart, choking the fragile hope I’d allowed myself to feel.

I thought about calling Nathan, demanding answers, confronting him with James’s accusations.

But what good would it do? He’d already proven himself to be a master of deception.

His words, his promises… how could I believe anything he said?

Work offered a temporary distraction. I buried myself in spreadsheets and presentations, trying to focus on the f