tears.


    "Okay," I whispered.


    Dr. Harold Bet arrived quickly at the Stone Estate, his medical bag in hand. Despite his age, he moved with the efficiency of someone half his years.


    "She seems confused about certain people," I exined quietly as I led him toward Matriarch Evelyn''s room. "She doesn''t remember... important family members."


    The doctor nodded gravely, his experienced eyes showing he understood my


    concern.


    With some gentle persuasion, I convinced Matriarch Evelyn to have a check-up. She agreed primarily to ease my worry, patting my cheek affectionately before disappearing into the examination room with Dr. Bet. Thirty long minutester, the door opened. Dr. Bet emerged, his expression troubled.


    "How is Grandmother? Ethan and I asked simultaneously, our mutual concern temporarily bridging the gulf


    between us.


    "She''ll be fine if she avoids any shocks and takes care of herself. Dr. Bet began, his voice measured.


    "But what?" I pressed, anxiety wing at my chest


    "She has memory loss," he exined. "Her memories stop after that night five years ago. Thest five years


    are nk"


    Five years ago. Before Lily fell ill. Before everything fell apart


    Relief washed over me, followed immediately by guilt. How could I be relieved that Matriarch Evelyn couldn''t remember her own great-granddaughter?


    I felt Ethan''s gaze on me and looked up to find him watching me intently. His brow furrowed as he seemed to read my thoughts


    "How long do you intend to hide Lily''s death?" his eyes seemed to ask


    if you re at Liv again, I''ll gouge your eyes out," Matriarch Evelyn scolded, emerging from her room.


    She approached Ethan and delivered a sharp p to his back, right where his wounds from the whipping were still healing


    "Ouch!" Ethan winced, his face contorting in pain.


    "Serves you right!" Matriarch Evelyn dered, but I noticed the concern that shed in her eyes


    She had forgotten her own punishment of him earlier. The doctor''s diagnosis was confirmed in that small


    moment


    Later that evening, I prepared a special meal for Matriarch Evelyn. Herb-roasted venison with berry sauce -


    her favorite. I carefully measured the healing herbs that would strengthen her without interfering with her


    medication


    "This is delicious, Liv, she praised, happily epting a second half bowl. "No one cooks like you."


    Her words warmed my heart. After dinner, she insisted on a stroll through the garden, iming the evening air would help her digestion.


    We had barely made it halfway across thewn when the sky opened up. Rain poured down without warning.


    drenching us instantly.


    Without hesitation, I removed my coat and held it over Matriarch Evelyn''s head, shielding her from the


    downpour.


    "Liv, you''ll catch cold!" she protested, trying to share the makeshift shelter.


    "I''m fine," I assured her, though the rain had already soaked through my clothes.


    By the time servants arrived with umbres, I was drenched to the skin, my hair stered to my face and


    neck.


    "Liv, go take a hot shower so you don''t catch a cold," Matriarch Evelyn urged as we entered the house "With your weak constitution, you can''t afford to get sick."


    She was right. I had my first day at Canis Enterprises on Monday, and my immune system was already weakened from stress and grief.


    "Okay," I agreed, heading toward Ethan''s wing of the Stone Estate.


    I felt Matriarch Evelyn''s eyes on my back as I walked away, but I didn''t turn


    around to see the knowing smile that yed on her lips.


    Ethan had gone to his study for a video conference with business partners. ording to Bernard, it wouldst at least two hours. He wouldn''t be back anytime soon.


    Still, I locked the bedroom door behind me, cautious in what felt like enemy territory.


    I quickly undressed, cing my wet clothes in the dryer. Though I had lived with Ethan for five years at Imperial Gardens, I had never stayed overnight in his room since Lily fell ill


    The bathroom filled with steam as I turned the shower to its hottest setting. I stepped under the spray, letting the warm water wash away the chill and soothe the welts on my back from the recent punishment.


    The sound of the water masked the noise from outside, and I didn''t hear the doorknob turning.