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She’s always loved the first snowfall.

I wonder what she’s doing now.

She had a courier deliver a letter the afternoon I checked out of the hospital, a response to the note I left her on hernightstand.

Ethan,

I understand. I’ll give you time. But I won’t give up and neither should you.

Always yours,

Lexy

I asked the courier to wait while I scribbled a response to her.

My Nova,

Thank you for your love. And your patience.

I will get there, I promise you.

Ethan

My breath fogs up the window as I admire the barren branches of the beech tree swaying to the wind.

Then, as if I willed it, glittering white flecks descend from the sky.

The first snowfall of the new year.

Chapter 58

“The arrests sent shockwavesthrough the financial industry. Dayton Holden and Trey Spencer have pled guilty to multiple counts of racketeering, blackmail, embezzlement, and attempted murder—among other charges. Legal analysts predict they’ll spend the rest of their lives behind bars. The pair claimed full responsibility for the crimes, though rumors persist about The Association’s involvement—”

I turn off the TV, not wanting to see Dayton and Trey’s faces ever again. They look haggard, their eyes haunted. My guess? They’re afraid for their lives—when you’re caught, you become a loose end for The Association.

I don’t give a crap about them anymore. They don’t deserve another second of my thoughts.

Blowing out a breath, I walk over to the windows and stare at the dreary skies when the doorbell rings. Despite missing Ethan, I’m glad he’s taking the time to work on himself.

He needs to heal—I can’t imagine how traumatizing it is to almost lose the person you love twice. He’s waited for me for almost a decade. This time, I’ll be the one waiting—in whatever capacity he needs me—because I love him and I know he loves me.

We’ll come out of this stronger.

The doorbell rings again.

“Coming!”Who is it? Is it Ethan?

My pulse quickens and I hurry to the door and yank it open, only to deflate when I see the person on the other side isn’t him but is his sister.

“Wow, you look so disappointed to see me.” Lana smirks, her expression reminding me so much of him. She’s elegant as always in a brown wool dress and a beret, and she’s holding a large paper bag.

I smack my forehead and give her a hug. “I’m an idiot. I was hoping Ethan came to his senses, but I’m glad to see you. What brings you here? Is he okay?”

“He’s fine, don’t worry.” She steps inside my apartment and looks around. “I’m doing a welfare check. Good—the blinds are open, no pigsty. You look like you’re coping well.”

“It’s a speed bump. I don’t like it, but I’ll survive.”

Lana nods and turns toward me, her thick braid swinging from the movement. “I stopped by his place this morning to check in on him—making sure his fridge is stocked, he’s eating, and whatnot. I came across something I thought you should have.”