Chapter 2

Series 1 Chapter 2

Mara's POV

"Happy anniversary, Mara."

Graham walked through our front door at 6:30 PM, carrying a large bouquet of white peonies. He dropped his briefcase, crossed the living room, and pulled me into his arms.

He kissed my forehead. He smelled of expensive Tom Ford cologne. There was no trace of the restaurant.

"I hated being stuck in that boardroom today, of all days," he murmured, his chin resting on the top of my head.

I didn't pull away. I stared at the wall behind him, feeling the steady beat of his heart against my chest.

When he pulled back to look at me, his expression was exactly the same as it had been for five years.

"I know today is hard for you," he whispered, brushing a lock of hair behind my ear. "Did you take your vitamins? Did you rest?"

"I'm fine, Graham," I said.

He walked into the kitchen and opened a bottle of wine. "Actually, Elliot called me earlier. He said he'd been trying to reach you about a new project."

Elliot was my former design partner. I instinctively reached for my phone, but Graham placed a wineglass in my hand before I could check it.

"What did you tell him?" I asked.

"I told him this probably wasn't the right time," Graham said. "You had a panic attack the last time you tried looking at blueprints, and you've only just started sleeping through the night. I don't want you rushing into anything."

He smiled as he handed me the glass, clearly expecting the matter to be settled. He hadn't even thought to ask me.

"I'm going to draw you a hot bath," he said, kissing my cheek. "Then I'll make us dinner."

During dinner, I smiled when I was supposed to. I listened to his stories about the office and drank the wine. But as he set my plate down, the red sauce brought back the image of his hand wiping Owen's mouth.

Under the table, my phone vibrated in my pocket. It was a text from Price.

“Target identity confirmed. I am currently verifying the child's identity and date of birth, and confirming how long Mr. Whitmore has been connected to the property. Initial report by tomorrow morning.”

That night, Graham fell asleep quickly, his arm around my waist as it had been for years. I stayed awake in the dark, listening to him breathe.

For the first time, I understood that I had no idea who was sleeping beside me.

Chapter 2

Series 1 Chapter 2

Mara's POV

"Happy anniversary, Mara."

Graham walked through our front door at 6:30 PM, carrying a large bouquet of white peonies. He dropped his briefcase, crossed the living room, and pulled me into his arms.

He kissed my forehead. He smelled of expensive Tom Ford cologne. There was no trace of the restaurant.

"I hated being stuck in that boardroom today, of all days," he murmured, his chin resting on the top of my head.

I didn't pull away. I stared at the wall behind him, feeling the steady beat of his heart against my chest.

When he pulled back to look at me, his expression was exactly the same as it had been for five years.

"I know today is hard for you," he whispered, brushing a lock of hair behind my ear. "Did you take your vitamins? Did you rest?"

"I'm fine, Graham," I said.

He walked into the kitchen and opened a bottle of wine. "Actually, Elliot called me earlier. He said he'd been trying to reach you about a new project."

Elliot was my former design partner. I instinctively reached for my phone, but Graham placed a wineglass in my hand before I could check it.

"What did you tell him?" I asked.

He smiled as he handed me the glass, clearly expecting the matter to be settled. He hadn't even thought to ask me.

"I'm going to draw you a hot bath," he said, kissing my cheek. "Then I'll make us dinner."

Under the table, my phone vibrated in my pocket. It was a text from Price.

That night, Graham fell asleep quickly, his arm around my waist as it had been for years. I stayed awake in the dark, listening to him breathe.

For the first time, I understood that I had no idea who was sleeping beside me.