Jonathan ine was the only child of the professor and Jacqueline.


    Elissa sipped her still–warm tea. “Alright, then I’ll pick up some local specialties these next couple of days for you and the professor to take


    back.”


    Jacqueline reached over, gently smoothing Elissa’s hair. “And what about. you? Why don’t youe with <b>us</b><b>?</b><b>” </b>


    At times, Jacqueline adored Elissa’s sweet, considerate nature. Other times, it pained her to see the girl always so well–behaved.


    Every year, they’d invite Elissa to spend the holidays with them.


    But Elissa knew–Jonathan and his parents only got to be together during the holidays, so the most she’d ever do was stop by with New Year’s greetings on the second day.


    This year, though…


    She and Frank had divorced. There wasn’t even a housekeeper at home now–the holidays were bound to feel even lonelier.


    Elissa smiled, lips curving. “I think I’ll stay. I want to use the break to rest. and maybe rethink my research n.”


    The current n would likely work well enough, but the side effects. weren’t up to her standards. She also hoped to push the treatment’s effectiveness even further.


    Jacqueline’s worry shone through. “If you came, you wouldn’t have to do anything. You can keep working if you want…”


    “That’s enough,” Aaron cut in, understanding Elissa too well. He nced at his wife. “You know exactly how she is. She’d just feel out of ce. there. Why don’t you just–stock up on some holiday treats for her?”


    “She’s got a sweet tooth. Make sure you fry plenty of meatballs and those little pastries she likes.”


    Elissa fiddled with her nose, a little embarrassed. “Professor…”


    Jacquelineughed and agreed right away, giving Elissa a mock–stern look. “Now that’s something you’ll allow, right?”


    “Absolutely,” Elissa said, no longer protesting. She wrapped her arms around Jacqueline’s and leaned her head against her shoulder. “Thank you, Jacqueline.”


    She snuggled in, eyelids growing heavy, and soon drifted off to sleep.


    Jacqueline noticed and smiled, exchanging a look with Aaron–her silent request for everyone to keep quiet.


    Aaron grinned. “She’s been working around the clock on that project and had some wine, too. She could sleep through a thunderstorm right now,


    trust me.”


    “Of course, Jacqueline.”


    Clife


    made his move on the chessboard. “Elissa’s not much of a drinker. Just let her sleep on the couch.”


    “Are you letting me win again?” Aaron raised his brows at Cliff’s move, mock–offended. “Do you really think that little of my chess skills?”


    Thanks to the wine, Elissa slept deeply and undisturbed.


    When she finally stirred, still a bit dazed, it took her a moment to realize where she was. She squinted–the living room was empty.


    Outside, the sun was already setting, bathing the room in a soft, golden


    haze.


    Rubbing her eyes, Elissa sat up, still a little groggy. That’s when she noticed someone else was there.


    Rowan satfortably on the other end of the couch. At her movement, he cracked his eyelids. “You finally up?”


    Why was he still here?


    Elissa blinked, her voice soft. “Where is everyone?”


    Always looking for others the moment she woke.


    When she was little, after Rowan had first brought her to live with them, she’d been so desperate for a sense of belonging. Every time she woke from a nap and didn’t see him, she’d clutch a pillow and cry, demanding<b>. </b>to see her “big brother.”


    Now, seeing him there, she looked almost disappointed.


    Rowan’s expression was cool, indifferent. “No idea.”


    “Oh.”


    Only then did Elissa realize she was covered with his suit jacket. The thin throw Jacqueline had draped over her had slipped to the floor. Knowing Rowan’s neat–freak tendencies, he probably couldn’t stand the thought of retrieving something that had touched the ground.


    Elissa stood, holding out his jacket. “Thank you, Mr. Murphy.”


    “Don’t-” Rowan reached out, taking back the jacket, but fell silent as his eyesnded on a dark red stain.


    Elissa followed his gaze–and in an instant, she was wide awake.


    Her period had started.


    And she’d stained his suit jacket.


    She nced down at the couch, relieved to see it was clean–she must


    have pulled the jacket under herself in her sleep. She tried to twist


    around and see how bad her dress was, but the angle made it impossible.


    Rowan said quietly, “Turn around. I’ll check for you.”


    <b>09:18</b>