Chapter 141

Vera

Everything we’ve been working toward, the gala, the program, all of it, she waited until we had something real to lose before she struck.

He reaches for me, but I step back. Just a little. I need my own space for a second.

He lets me have it. Drops his hands. Doesn’t chase.

I stand at the window and just breathe, staring out at the grounds. We’re only about six feet apart, maybe less, but som