Chapter 4: Nightfall and an Unwelcome Visitor

That night, I curled into Derek’s arms, letting his warmth chase away the day’s tension. For the first time in days, I let myself relax.

Compared to Caleb, Derek was gentle—his hands soft, his voice full of love. I let the worry fade, replaced by the steady beat of his heart.

He slipped on a robe and scooped me up, teasing, "Come on, Mrs. Parker. Let’s not mess up your pretty dress."

A floorboard creaked outside. I tensed, every muscle going still.

"Derek."

Caleb’s voice cut through the night, cold and polite as ever. My hand gripped Derek’s arm tighter. The world seemed to hold its breath, inside and out.

After a moment, Caleb’s voice came again, calm and pleasant: "Sorry to intrude."

The past and the present collided in that quiet, heavy moment, and I knew—no matter how far I’d run, some things never let you go. Especially when they’re standing right outside your door.