Page 4 of Code of Heart

The ballroom descended into chaos. Bertrand was carried off by security as dinner rolls and curses flew. Aurelia met Selene’s wild eyes while another two security guards tried to hold the line against the mass of angry elderly lovers hobbling in Bertrand’s direction, looking for their pound of flesh.

Aurelia looked at Charles, who was still seated at the bar with a new drink in hand. He winked at her before raising his glass in a silent toast and again gulping it down in one go.

It took hours to clean up the mess in the ballroom and even longer for the police to complete their investigation, after several guests activated their medical alert necklaces to call for help.

Eight guests were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, assault, and even assault and battery on a police officer. It turned out Gladys had used Bertrand’s cane to strike an officer who was trying to handcuff her.

As soon as she got home, Aurelia swapped her long purple maxi dress and sandals for a tank top and shorts. She pulled her long, brown, wavy hair into a messy bun, grabbed a bottle of water, and walked out onto the dock.

She had been there ever since, grieving and reflecting on how alone she felt. Despite her closeness with Selene, Aurelia never felt completely comfortable sharing her deepest feelings with her. They both carried their own scars. Eleanor was the only person she had ever truly opened up to—and she was gone.

“I already miss you so much,” she whispered to the night sky. “I hope wherever you are now, you’re pain-free and haunting someone.” A warm, gentle breeze brushed her cheek, like phantom fingers offering reassurance.

A small smile tugged at her lips. Perhaps it was the grief talking, but she chose to take it as a sign that Eleanor was still with her in some way.

Wiping her eyes, Aurelia stood and headed back into the house. She still had to report to work on time tomorrow.

CHAPTER 2

Aurelia

Aurelia jolted upright, breath shallow, the nightmare still gripping her.

It took a minute before she recognized her bedroom and notthatapartment. Scattered throw pillows lay on the floor, a visual echo of her unrest. She dragged a trembling hand down her face and exhaled a shaky breath. Her tank top clung to her damp skin.

The second her head hit the pillow last night, exhaustion took over and quickly pulled her under. Sleep was usually nonexistent…the nightmares of past events were forever haunting. Rubbing her eyes, she tried to calm her racing heart.

The view out of her window, normally a source of comfort, didn’t settle her nerves. The lagoon shimmered beyond the glass, reminding her of why she had fought so hard to restore this once-crumbling cottage.

She had seen its potential the way she hoped someone might one day see hers. Worn, yes, but worth saving.

There would be no peace today. A knot sat heavy in her stomach. She cursed, remembering her conversation with Charles at Eleanor's farewell celebration, turning frantically to check the clock on her nightstand.

It was 7:52 AM.

Groaning, she jumped out of bed. The 9:00 AM staff meeting at Starhaven wasn’t optional, and being late was unacceptable.

She wasn’t about to start that habit now.

Darting into her bathroom, she flew through a rushed shower beneath shimmering fish-scale tiles, barely pausing to dry off before heading to the closet she had once dreamed of having.

She dressed as quickly as possible, throwing on brown leggings that passed as slacks, a cream tunic, and a coral cardigan embroidered with beads and metallic leaves. Earrings in, favorite nude flats on, and hair twisted into a high bun, she applied a quick sweep of neutral makeup and mascara, forever thankful for her naturally thick lashes.

Grabbing her phone, keys, and bag, she dashed out the door.

She would make it.Just barely.

By the time Aurelia reached Starhaven, everyone was in the ballroom. Selene stood composed and collected at the entrance, dressed in a navy pantsuit, leveling her typical cool gaze at each person passing through.

Having spotted Aurelia, her expression shifted imperceptibly.

“Where have you been?” Selene quietly asked.

Caught off guard, Aurelia replied, “What do you mean? I’m right on time for the 9:00 meeting. Was I supposed to be here earlier?”

“Well, I would’ve expected you to help me get everything ready for this meeting. I’m only one person, and having an extra set of hands to help herd everyone would have been nice,” Selene huffed.

Aurelia blinked. She hadn’t received any messages or calls. She tried to sympathize with her long-time friend.