Chapter 108
That damn note won’t leave my mind. It’s all I can think about.
I wanted to believe it was just some sick joke, but the gnawing dread in my gut won’t let me dismiss it. Every time I read those words, my skin crawls.
I considered reporting it, but what’s the point? It’s just one note. Maybe Lucas was right—maybe it’s nothing.
My phone rings, startling me. I drop the mop and snatch it up. Ethan’s name flashes on the screen. For a second, I consider ignoring it, but I don’t.
"Hello," I say flatly.
"Hey. How are you?" His voice is hesitant, almost cautious.
This new version of Ethan still throws me off. It’s like he woke up one day and decided to be a different person. If this change is real, it’ll take time to adjust.
"Did you need something?"
"Yeah. I’m leaving for a business trip. Just wanted to let you know."
I blink. Since when does he inform me about his trips?
"Oh. So you want me to tell Liam?"
Liam’s at school. He hates when Ethan travels, but he’ll deal with it.
Ethan hesitates. "He already knows. I wanted you to know too."
I freeze.
Ethan never told me about his trips before. He’d vanish in the morning, and I’d only find out through Liam. It was deliberate. He knew it hurt me. That’s why he kept doing it.
"I don’t see why that’s my business, Ethan. I’m not your wife. Or your keeper." I try to keep the bite out of my voice, but it’s hard.
Every nice thing he does now just reminds me of how cruel he used to be. The past isn’t something I can just erase.
"I know. But it’s basic courtesy." He speaks slowly, like I’m some unpredictable animal.
I snort. "Courtesy? You didn’t care about that when we were married."
Silence stretches between us before I sigh.
"Look, I don’t want to fight."
"Neither do I." He exhales. "My jet’s ready, but when I get back, we need to talk. It’s important."
My curiosity spikes. "Can’t you tell me now?"
"No. It’s something I need to say in person."
I hate waiting. Now I’ll spend days overanalyzing, imagining worst-case scenarios.
"Just tell me. I hate suspense."
"It’ll have to wait." Background noise filters through—voices, movement. "I have to go. Take care. We’ll talk when I’m back."
The line goes dead before I can protest.
Damn it. What the hell does he want to talk about?
"Sophia!" A shout snaps me out of my thoughts.
Great. Now I’ll be stuck in this weird limbo until Ethan returns.
"In the kitchen!" I call back.
Footsteps approach. Lucas walks in, looking… off. His eyes are wide, like he’s just uncovered some huge secret. He’s in sweats—his day off, I remember.
"What’s wrong? You’re yelling like the world’s ending," I say when he doesn’t speak.
He shakes his head. "Sorry. I, uh… wanted to ask you something."
First Ethan, now Lucas. The way he’s fidgeting tells me I won’t like this.
"Okay. Shoot."
He takes a deep breath.
"I want to take you on a date."
I stare. Did I hear that right?
"What?"
"A date," he repeats, firmer this time. "I know it’s probably too soon, but… we could help each other move on. We understand what the other’s been through."
My brain short-circuits.
He’s suggesting we be each other’s rebound. That never ends well.
"Lucas…" I scramble for the right words. "You’re an amazing man. Any woman would be lucky to have you. But this isn’t a good idea."
He tenses. "But?"
"We’re both fresh out of messy situations. The last time I jumped into something post-divorce, I ended up pregnant by a man who tried to kill me. And you—you’re still in love with Isabella. I won’t make that mistake again."
His shoulders slump. "You’re right. I’m sorry."
He turns and walks out the back door before I can say more.
"Lucas!" I call, but he’s already crossing the yard to his house.
I sigh and head back inside—just as the doorbell rings.
Deja vu hits hard.
I open the door. No one’s there. Just another note.
This one’s smeared with what looks like blood. The message is clear:
TIME’S RUNNING OUT, SOPHIA. HAVE YOU SAID GOODBYE TO YOUR LOVED ONES?
I drop it, my blood turning to ice.
This isn’t a prank.
Someone’s coming for me.
And I have no idea who—or why.