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ETHAN

Back then…

T his was supposed to be a relatively simple murder.

Show up. Kill the men who irrevocably damaged the woman I love. Clean. Controlled. Cinematic.

They were conveniently all in the same place—The Baylor Estate—and I’d planned every detail down to the lighting. I even brought a camera to document the carnage for Sadie. Thought maybe she’d want to frame it. Hang it in her studio like vengeance reborn.

I was enjoying it. Savoring it. Making sure the stab wounds weren’t too deep at first—I wanted them to feel it. Wanted them to know it was personal.

But Sadie just had to show up. Had to see Jonathan’s body before I was finished. Had to grab the knife and jab it in a little deeper herself.

She didn’t even tell me she was coming.

Pure, breathtakingly psychopathic behavior.

Now she’s standing in front of me in the living room, her cheeks wet, eyes wide, mascara running like she’s the victim.

“How long do you think it’ll take them to link this back to me?” she whispers.

“Not long.” I brush a tear from her face with my thumb. “But I won’t let them keep you. I swear.”

“You don’t have the power to make promises like that.”

“You’re going to have to play one hell of a part.” I ignore her pessimism, stepping closer. “You’re already good at masking—but this? This will require brilliance.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying as of now, you’re officially mentally insane and you need to sell it hook, line, and sinker,” I murmur. “You’ll walk around the garden with one of the knives, then come inside and take a bubble bath while I make you breakfast… You’ll take your time calling 9-1-1.”

“Oh…” She nods. “Okay, I think I can do that.”

“You will do that.” I keep her steady with my gaze. “I’ll tell you exactly what to say at every step of the way, to the police… and to your lawyer, and to whoever else gets involved.”

She trembles. “I’m going to prison for the rest of my life. All because of a mistake.” Her voice cracks. “You should move on. Find someone less… chaotic.”

“Stop.” I tilt her chin, making her look at me. “Have I ever broken a promise to you?”

She shakes her head.

“I won’t break this one either.”