Chapter 4

I was arranging fresh flowers in the living room when Alexis came home early from work. The sunset cast a golden glow through our bay windows, illuminating the dust particles dancing in the air between us. He looked tired but pleased with himself, loosening his tie as he approached.

"Estelle," he said, his voice soft with an emotion I'd once treasured. "I've been thinking."

I turned to face him, my hands still holding the vase of white lilies. "About?"

He took my free hand in his, his thumb brushing over my knuckles in that familiar way that once made my…