The Architect's Reckoning

remembered, sprawling lawns, manicured

new she sensed the undercurrents. Lily, dressed in a

ed them towards a seclu

was w

hadn't been there before, but still undeniably beautiful, d

on Ethan, a complicated mix of

d, her voice a littl

tral. He gestured to his family. "This i

dismissive glance, then to Lily, lingeri

ent sounding hollow. "You always did have

but her voice was steady when she spoke. "

. "Ethan, we nee

front of my wife," Ethan stated, moving

I remember that. But she wouldn't understa

mly. "I'm here because you invited my family. If t

I made a mistake, Ethan. A terrible mistake. I've regretted it every day for five

You made your choice, Ser

ng. "Marcus said... he said it would make you

estroying my career prospects in this city

he looked at Clara again, this time with open disdain. "And then you found

chose me. We built a life together, a happy one. I'd appreciate it if you didn't

en aback by Cla

hat's all that matters to me. I came today hoping for a civil conversation,

an to wa

oice desperate. "Don't you feel anyth

around. "I feel a deep appreciation for the life I have now,

ked away from Seraphina Vance, leaving her standing alone