<b>Chapter </b>26


    “Let’s get something to eat,” Rowan said quietly.


    Elissa’s expression darkened. “Pull over.”


    When Rowan didn’t give him one, Elissa didn’t waste another word. She reached for the door handle, her voice sharp. “You know I won’t listen to you. Three years ago, I’d have jumped out of this car–and I still would now!”


    Almost instinctively,n mmed on the brakes.


    The memory of what had happened three years ago still made his heart race.


    Rowan, unruffled, was ready for this. He leaned over and grabbed her wrist, his voice cold as ice. “Then who do you listen to? Frank?”


    “I’d listen to anyone but you!”


    She yanked her arm free, like a startled wildcat, her movements desperate and fierce.


    Rowan let out a bitterugh. “And who was it that used to beg me not to leave her behind, swearing she’d always do as I said?”


    “That was a long time ago!” Elissa had never felt so out of control. Her eyes were red as she red at him. “Mr. Murphy, I’m twenty–four now. Not seven.”


    “All you had to <i>do </i>was crook your finger, and I’d follow you anywhere without a second thought.”


    As soon as she finished, Rowan’s grip ckened just enough. Elissa wasted no time–she pushed open the door and climbed out.


    She didn’t bother to call a cab. Instead, she stepped onto the sidewalk and let the bitter night wind cut right through her, hoping it would scatter the memories churning in her


    mind.


    The best years of her life with the Murphy family had been those nine years beside


    Rowan.


    She’d had no family left, and he’d be her family.


    Rowan had watched over her, raising her from a lost, naive girl into an adult, careful and patient every step of the way.


    His friends would ask where he’d found such a sweet, lovable little sister. Rowan would justugh. “She acts all innocent, but you should see her at home.”


    13:32


    At sixteen, Elissa was abandoned for the second time in her life.


    The first had been when her parents died in an ident, leaving her behind.


    The second was when her brother decided he didn’t want her anymore.


    For a long time, she’d been stuck in a cycle she couldn’t break, falling apart again and again in the dark, endless nights.


    What wasn’t good enough about her? Why did everyone leave?


    The night she was sent back to the olddy’s house, she was forced to kneel for two straight days.


    The old woman had smiled at her. “Rowan’s always been a moody one. When he’s in a good mood, he’ll amuse himself with a pet, but if he gets bored, he’ll toss it away. You? You’re just the sort of lost stray who’d mistake him for a savior.”


    “Learned your lesson now, have you?”


    Elissa could barely remember what she’d answered. She only recalled the zing sun, how she fainted from the heat, and a servant woke her with a bucket of ice water.


    But all these yearster, she’d never let herself forget: never depend on anyone, never be anyone’s burden.


    She measured every step she took, always so careful, always on guard.


    –


    The next night, Elissa and Cliffnded in Vistapeak City. Tanya Foster was waiting at


    arrivals.


    Seeing someone there to meet her, Cliff felt reassured and headed back to the clinic.


    Tanya started the car, eyeing the bags in the backseat. “So, Zen Sister, youing to my ce or what?”


    “Take me to Greenwood Manor first,” Elissa replied.


    Her so–called “home” with Frank was at Greenwood Manor–Vistapeak City’s most exclusive neighborhood.


    Tanya nodded, then couldn’t help asking, “No word from Frank thesest few days?”


    “Nothing.”


    “What’s he up to? Holding a candlelight vigil for his mistress?” Tanya’s tongue was as sharp as ever, typical for awyer.


    Elissa didn’t answer. She wasn’t sure herself–which was exactly why she nned to go


    13:32


    home and settle the divorce face–to–face.


    When they arrived, Elissa left her luggage with Tanya. “Take it to your ce for me, will you? Save me the trouble of hauling it around againter.”


    She hadn’t brought much–just the clothes she wore most often. There were plenty of things still at Greenwood Manor that she didn’t want, but would do for a change of


    clothes.


    It was nearly midnight by the time they reached the house. The porch light was still on, as always.


    Hearing the door, Edna, the housekeeper, came out, surprise flickering across her face. “Mrs. Murphy, you’re back. Can I get you something to eat?”


    “No, thank you.”


    Elissa shook her head, getting straight to the point. “Is Frank home?”