The Seal

e paced the living room like a child waiting for Christmas morning. A wide, gleaming smile lit up her face. "My G

w with quiet concern. His wife just

ently. "But they're grown.

ppening, my hopes are sky-high, and yours should be too. Besides, what does Greg know about love? If he

. But the door was locked again. Five days now, not a word from him. He had shut the world out, eve

l fix everything, s

creaked open. The sight stopped her breath, sending chills down her spine

ll me you've been sulking over that little

oftened, brightened with renewed excitement. "Anyway, I'

of guilt and regret. Audrey's tear-streaked face haunted him. Max's word

-

school together, celebrated victories, and mourned failures. Greg had help

ood?" Max had greet

eg had replied

ace. What's going on? You know I'm here for you," M

listened intently. Though familiar with the situati

nts can't keep us under their thumb forever. But you also need to be sure of Audrey's love for you. I'm not saying she doesn't care, but make sure she's willing to m

icy water had been poured over him under t

But the seed had been planted.

-

oice yanked him b

t a response. You're just sulking away. Yo

urmured, blinking hi

for him. That's final." Her hands flew to her hips in a dramatic flair, striking

ft, heels clickin

l carried warmth. The girl was sweet. But not good enough. Not for her son. Not for Constel

m and dialed a number, h

came a po

," she said, trying to

pardon my manners, ma'am," the v

r tone steely. "Talk to your daughter. Make her

an, swallowing the saliva that had clu

't know she's after his money. Guess what?" she said, adjusting her dress. "I'm

ne wen

d as she clutched the phone, Melissa's

at day, barely eating, barely speaking. She had become deeply emaciated and was beginning

ice cracked like dry

and raised her eyebrow, her mouth falling open. "You kn

whimpered, letting out the

t, the tears, the b

-

s top-notch. Melissa couldn't contain her joy as she had announced to everyone who gave her ears that her da

at Constellar. It never came as a surprise to Greg, fully knowing that his p

t in the States. The clinking of glasses and faint laughter floated through the air, mingling with the rich aroma that filled the dining space. Throughout the date, Greg

over up for her son, who had gone mute from the onse

her presence was magnetic. She carried herself effortlessly with such ele

her fingers delicately reaching for her Mouawad 1001 Nights Diamond Purse. The purs

care of it," Melissa replied, her voice

ss the table, the sparkle in her eyes with a mix of intelligence and mischief, pulled him in despite his desire to remain aloof. It struck him tha

her presence. He recalled snippets of their previous interactions, her sharp wit and the little kindnesses she had offered on previous occasio

ror, pondering the significance of the luxury she surrounded herself with. He clenched his jaw, battling the urge to

he car into a U-turn as if he had been awakened into

steering wheel until his knuckles turned white. Every red lig

st hit him like a physical blow. No marble columns. No crystal chandeliers. Just

ours, staring at her window. The light

k you for tonight. I had a wonderful time.

er, "Perfect match! Weddin

looked up at Audrey's window one more t

elegant, approved and secure. In the other, his

dle, trembling with the weight of a d

stion burned through his mind: after what he had p