Page 61 of Symphony for Lies

Simon told me the police were at the school, but he wasn’t sure what happened. I expect an immediate explanation. And before you even think about making excuses, I know Zane was with you.

You seem toforget your place.

Playing around with my son is one thing, but setting your sight on Zane? That’s crossing the line.

Stay away from him.

He is not someone you can compete with, not in this life or our family.

Let me be clear: whatever fantasy you’ve built in your head, it won’t happen. Stick to your duties and stay away from my son.

Chapter 15

I woke up with a strange feeling in my stomach, still unsettled after replying to Mrs. Cole’s message about what happened at school. I had chosen to ignore the part where she brought up Zane; I had no intention of responding to that. She had not replied either, which was perfectly fine with me.

Every interaction with the woman was deeply uncomfortable. I didn’t understand why she hired me if she clearly disliked me. It made no sense.

“You look distracted,” my grandmother murmured, studying my face.

I tightened my grip around my cup, staring into the dark liquid. “I-I think Zane likes me.”

For a second, she just blinked at me before she suddenly burst into laughter.

My cheeks warmed. “What? Why are you laughing?”

“Oh, sweetheart. I thought you were completely oblivious about things like that. I’m surprised you even noticed.”

“I’m not oblivious! I just… I just don’t want to assume anything.”

She gave me an amused look, shaking her head.

“Besides, I find it hard to believe.”

“And why is that?”

I swallowed, trying to find the right words. “We haven’t known each other for long. And I know he’s seen me with Tristan. I can’t help butfeel like maybe he’s just doing this to mess with him. But last night, he said something that made me think otherwise.” I let out a deep breath. “Everything is just… happening all at once. It’s overwhelming.”

Grandma gave me a knowing smile. “Since when has love ever been logical?”

“Love?”

“Love, attraction, desire. It never makes sense. If you try to analyze it, you’ll drive yourself insane.”

The whole concept felt foreign to me. “You might be right, Grandma. But we’re completely different, even if he does like me.”

“Well, what do you want?”

What do I want?I chewed on my bottom lip. “I just… I just want—”

“Don’t rush to a decision. Take your time.”

“I’ll think about it,” I agreed softly.

My grandmother studied me for another moment before nodding. “Trust your gut, Amelia.”

Even at work, Grandma’s words echoed in my mind like a song stuck on repeat.

I had to force myself to focus on trimming a Dalmatian’s nails. The dog’s owner was in the room with us, gently whispering praise to keep him calm. The dog would have been too anxious to sit still without her presence.