By evening,she dragged her leaden legs home.The sky had already fallen into darkness.
She unlocked the door with her fingerprint,only to find a pair of unfamiliar high heels tossed carelessly in the entryway.
Adrian’s leather shoes were kicked off beside them.
A sharp dread gripped her heart.
She hurried into the living room—and froze,her blood nearly turning to ice.
Deafening electronic music thundered through the living room,a jarring contrast to the soothing classical pieces she usually loved.
On the sofa,Adrian lounged at ease.
In his arms sat Vanessa,bubblegum-pink hair spilling over her shoulders,dressed in hot pants and a cropped top.She swirled a glass of red wine,laughing so hard her whole body trembled,practically glued to Adrian’s side.
Clara’s cherished ragdoll cat,Snowball,was tied around the neck with a random length of rope.Terrified,it dangled from the spiral staircase leading to the second floor.The other end of the rope was knotted casually to the railing.Snowball’s small body writhed helplessly,crying out;with every swing it came closer to a deadly fall.
“Snowball!”Clara cried out,her voice breaking,ready to run forward.