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PROLOGUE
HARPER
Tears blur my vision,hot shame pouring down my cheeks as I turn off the freeway.
Despite crying, I find my exit. My left cheek burns as I drive into the night, the navigation on my phone guiding me to the one place I can escape.
Away fromhim.
A few miles away, the town ofAurorawaits for me, buried in the lush woods of the northwest, tucked away in a corner of paradise.
I probably shouldn’t have driven in the middle of the night, spurred by my emotions.
But at least I made it here in one piece.
I booked a stay at theAurora Inn, fueled by fear and betrayal that pierces my chest.
Most people come for a vacation.
I’m visiting out of desperation.
Hesays I’ve been here before, and that I hated it. Apparently, we went together a while back, and I vowed to never return.
I don’t believehimfor one fucking second.
Which is why, afterhishand slapped my face, quick and deadly, I booked my trip on a whim, my hands shaky as I used my laptop to make a reservation.
Hours earlier,he had beensobbing, begging for forgiveness behind the locked door of the bedroom as my mind went on autopilot.
With four grand drained from my bank account, I have a weeklong stay atAurora Inn.
I don’t regret it. It’s long overdue.
But I can’t stop the hiccupping sobs as I drive.
I deserve this,I try to remind myself through the tears.
I deserve a week to figure out my life and to enjoy what others would kill for.
I catch glimpses of the town, quaint shops and restaurants illuminated by streetlamps, and I know I will love it here.
Just as my tears subside, my phone loses signal.
The navigation app dies but I’m already at my destination, pulling into the long stone driveway.
Even at night,Aurora Innis a spectacular sight and a small gasp escapes my lips as I take it all in. The pictures on the website don’t do the place justice.
The renovated Victorian mansion sits on a manicured field, surrounded by perfectly trimmed hedges and guarded by an iron gate. Light peeks through the delicate French windows on all four floors, illuminating the cream walls and grey trim.
It’s breathtaking and better than I could have imagined.
I’m stayinghere.
And, to put the past to rest, I turn off my cell phone.
I already blockedhisnumber and made it out of the apartment with my necessities.
Even with the lack of signal, I don’t want to risk any calls fromhim.
