"Someone who looks exactly like you," I said softly. "At The Regent Hotel."
Sebastian's jaw tightened. The muscles in his neck corded.
I forced a smile. "But I know that wasn't you. You would never lie to me, right?"
His eyes darted away, then returned—overly earnest. "Of course. You're the most important person in my life, Savvy. I would never deceive you."
The sting of unshed tears burned my throat. I swallowed it, pulled my hand free, and wheeled him out of the kitchen.
After dinner was served, the living room stayed empty.
The bedroom door stood ajar. A hushed voice drifted out.
"Stella, behave. I've prepared a huge surprise for tomorrow. I'll celebrate your birthday personally."
On the other end, Stella's voice was sugary, whining. "But tomorrow... isn't that my sister's birthday too? If you don't stay with her, won't she be sad?"
"Silly girl. You're my treasure. Savvy stopped celebrating years ago. She's used to it."
Stella squealed with delight. "I knew you treated me best!"
I stood frozen in the doorway, shadows swallowing me whole.
Finally, I untied my apron, draped it over a chair, and walked out.
When Sebastian wheeled himself out of the bedroom, the house was silent.