Chapter: 2124

The night air outside felt lighter, but it did little to ease Mia's nerves as she climbed into the back seat of Rowland's car.

She didn't even consider the front passenger seat; that spot wasn't hers to claim, and she wouldn't cross that line.

This was her rule, her principle: never sit where another woman's heart might already rest.

The silence between them stretched, heavy and uncomfortable, until they stopped by the river.

Mia asked, “Rowan, what do you want to talk about? You're not planning to leave me here to walk back, are you?"