Chapter 4

I stood outside my parents' house, my hand trembling as I reached for the doorbell. The engagement ring was gone from my finger, leaving a pale mark on my skin—a ghost of what might have been. Behind me, the taxi pulled away, its taillights disappearing into the darkness of the quiet neighborhood street.

When my mother opened the door, her smile faded instantly. "Eden? What's wrong?"

I couldn't speak. My throat closed up as tears welled in my eyes.

"Robert!" she called over her shoulder. "Come quick!"

My father appeared in the hallway, his reading glasses still perched on his…