Sunday arrived with an unreasonable amount of sunlight.
Annie Samson opened one eye, stared at the brightness spilling across her bedroom, and immediately pulled the blanket over her head.
“Absolutely not.”
From outside her door, Margaret Lewis knocked twice.
“Miss Annie, it is already nine.”
“That is still morning.”
“It has been morning for several hours.”
“Then morning should learn patience.”
Margaret sighed on the other side of the door. “Miss Sophie called earlier. She said you promised to visit the Starks residence today.”
Annie’s eyes opened beneath the blanket.
Right.
Sophie.
And, unfortunately, Brian.
Annie sat up slowly, her purple hair sticking out in several directions. She reached for her phone and found three messages from Sophie.
Sophie: Are you awake?
Sophie: Please tell me you’re awake.
Sophie: If you don’t come, I’ll personally come and drag you here.
Annie typed back.
Annie: You sound like a criminal.
The reply came almost immediately.
Sophie: A fashionable criminal. Hurry.
Annie stared at the message before smiling despite herself.
She got out of bed, showered, and dressed in a comfortable cream-colored blouse, fitted dark trousers, and white sneakers. She had barely finished tying her hair when her phone rang.
“Sophie,” Annie answered.
“You’re coming, right?”
“No. I’m calling to inform you that I have tragically passed away.”
“Then why are you breathing?”
“An unfortunate medical complication.”
Sophie laughed loudly. “Just come. I want to show you something.”
“Is it expensive?”
“Very.”
“Then I’m definitely coming.”
By the time Annie reached the dining room, Eleanor was already seated with William and Emily. Linda sat at the far end of the table, reading something on her tablet.
Eleanor looked up immediately. “Good morning, darling.”
Annie yawned. “I object to the word ‘good.’”
Emily smiled. “You look less offended than yesterday.”
“That’s because I haven’t spoken to anyone long enough to become offended.”
William lowered his newspaper. “You’re visiting the Starks today?”
“Yes. Sophie threatened me.”
“Did she?”
“She used emotional manipulation and excessive enthusiasm.”
Emily laughed while Eleanor pushed a plate toward Annie. “Eat something before you leave.”
Annie glanced at the food. “You’re all becoming suspiciously similar to the Starks family.”
“Because we want you to eat?” William asked.
“Because everyone keeps treating food like a matter of national security.”
Linda’s gaze lifted from her tablet. “With you, it probably is.”
Annie pointed at her with a piece of toast. “That was almost funny.”
“Almost?”
“Don’t become arrogant.”
Linda’s lips twitched, though she quickly hid it behind her cup.
The small reaction surprised Annie. She had grown used to Linda’s guarded expressions and carefully measured words. Seeing even a hint of amusement felt like discovering a door had been left slightly open.
Eleanor noticed it too but said nothing.
Annie finished breakfast, then stood and reached for her bag.
William looked at her. “Brian will be there?”
Annie paused.
She hated that the question made her suddenly aware of her appearance.
“Probably,” she replied casually. “It is his house.”
Nicholas, who had just entered the room, grinned. “You sound disappointed.”
“I sound realistic.”
“You checked your reflection twice before coming downstairs.”
“I was making sure my face had not betrayed me during sleep.”
Nicholas leaned against the doorway. “Of course.”
Annie threw a napkin at him.
Before he could respond, a car horn sounded outside.
Sophie had arrived.
“She came to collect me?” Annie asked.
Eleanor smiled. “It seems she was serious about dragging you there.”
“Wonderful. I’m being kidnapped by wealthy people again.”
William’s expression softened, but Annie caught the brief shadow that crossed his face at the word kidnapped. She regretted it immediately.
“Dad,” she said, gentler, “I was joking.”
“I know.”
But his eyes remained troubled.
Annie stepped closer and squeezed his shoulder. “I’ll be back later.”
William nodded, placing his hand over hers for a moment. “Enjoy yourself.”
“I intend to. Their kitchen is excellent.”
“That is what you took from that sentence?”
“It’s an important part of enjoying myself.”
Outside, Sophie stood beside a sleek car wearing oversized sunglasses and a bright yellow dress.
She looked Annie up and down.
“You look adorable.”
“You look like you’re about to purchase an island.”
“I already have plans to.”
“Then I hope the island has good food.”
Sophie hooked her arm through Annie’s. “Come on. I have so much to show you.”
The drive to the Starks residence was filled with Sophie’s endless conversation. She talked about clothes, a charity event her mother was planning, a disagreement Jude had started over breakfast, and how Brian had apparently threatened to cancel a family dinner because everyone had been too loud.
“Your brother threatens people over noise?” Annie asked.
“He threatens people over everything.”
“Good. I was worried he might be normal.”
Sophie lowered her sunglasses. “You know, he’s been in a surprisingly good mood lately.”
“Maybe he finally discovered happiness.”
“Maybe.”
Annie turned toward the window, pretending to be interested in the passing buildings.
Sophie studied her for a moment. “You know, you can just admit you like him.”
Annie looked back. “I can also admit that you talk too much.”
“That isn’t an answer.”
“It’s the answer you deserve.”
Sophie laughed. “You and Brian are exactly alike.”
“Take that back.”
“No.”
“I’m getting out of the car.”
“We’re moving.”
“I’ll take my chances.”
When they arrived, Margaret Starks was waiting at the entrance. She welcomed Annie with a warm hug that caught her off guard.
“I’m so glad you came, darling.”
Annie returned the hug after a brief hesitation. “Your daughter threatened me.”
Sophie gasped. “I invited you lovingly.”
“You said you would drag me here.”
“That was loving.”
Margaret laughed. “Come inside. Lunch will be ready soon.”
The house felt different during the day. Without the formality of dinner, it was warmer and more lived-in. Sunlight fell across the polished floors, and the sound of Jude arguing with someone came from the sitting room.
“I’m telling you, it was not my fault!”
“It was absolutely your fault,” Aaron replied.
Annie glanced at Sophie. “Who is Aaron?”
“My cousin.”
“Is he the reasonable one?”
“Not even remotely.”
They entered the sitting room to find Jude standing beside a table covered with board-game pieces. Aaron sat on the sofa with an expression of deep exhaustion, while Richard read a magazine nearby.
Jude looked up and brightened. “Annie!”
“That sounds ominous.”
“Please tell Aaron that losing gracefully is a sign of weakness.”
Aaron slowly turned toward her. “Do not encourage him.”
Annie examined the board. “What are you playing?”
“A strategy game,” Jude said.
“You have three pieces left.”
“Temporary circumstances.”
“And Aaron has nearly won.”
“Unimportant details.”
Annie sat down. “Move this piece.”
Jude frowned. “Why?”
“Because your opponent is about to trap you.”
Aaron leaned forward. “You know the game?”
“No. But even I can see you’re losing.”
Jude looked personally betrayed.
Annie pointed at the board. “Move there, then block him here.”
Jude followed her instructions. Aaron’s expression changed.
“That was actually a good move.”
Annie smiled. “I accept payment in cash, food, or public praise.”
Jude immediately stood. “I declare Annie my official adviser.”
“Your adviser charges by the hour.”
“I’ll pay you in dessert.”
“Then we have a contract.”
From the hallway, a low voice interrupted them.
“Jude, you still haven’t finished the game?”
Annie’s fingers paused above the board.
Brian stood near the entrance, dressed in a dark shirt with the sleeves rolled to his forearms. He looked less severe than he did at work, though his expression remained composed. His eyes moved from Jude to Annie, lingering for a second longer than necessary.
Jude pointed at Annie. “She is helping me.”
“She is helping you cheat,” Aaron said.
“Strategy,” Annie corrected.
Brian looked at her. “You arrived ten minutes ago.”
“Did you count?”
“No.”
“Then how do you know?”
“I heard Sophie announce your arrival from the front door.”
Sophie placed a hand against her chest. “I was excited.”
“You were shouting,” Brian said.
“That is how excitement works.”
Annie leaned back against the sofa. “You look busy.”
“I was working.”
“On a Sunday?”
Brian’s gaze settled on her. “Some of us have responsibilities.”
“Some of us have intelligence and know how to delegate.”
A faint smile touched his mouth.
Jude looked between them. “Are you two flirting?”
“No,” Annie and Brian said simultaneously.
The room fell silent for half a second.
Then Sophie burst into laughter.
Annie threw a cushion at Jude. “Finish your game before I resign.”
Brian stepped farther into the room, but Annie noticed the slight stiffness in his movements. His hand briefly pressed against his abdomen before falling back to his side.
It was quick.
Almost unnoticeable.
Almost.
Annie’s smile faded.
“Did you eat breakfast?” she asked.
Brian looked at her. “Yes.”
“What did you eat?”
Jude made a dramatic noise. “Here we go.”
Brian ignored him. “Eggs and toast.”
“Anything else?”
“Coffee.”
Annie stared at him.
Brian stared back.
“That is not a meal,” she said.
“It was enough.”
“For a bird, perhaps.”
“I’m not hungry.”
Annie stood. “Then you can sit beside me and watch everyone else eat lunch.”
Brian’s brow lifted. “Is that a punishment?”
“Yes.”
“Effective?”
“Extremely.”
He looked as though he wanted to argue, but Margaret appeared at the doorway.
“Lunch is ready.”
Annie pointed toward the dining room. “Move.”
Brian’s eyes narrowed slightly. “You enjoy giving orders.”
“Only when people are being foolish.”
“Then you must be exhausted around me.”
“Constantly.”
Jude whispered to Aaron, “They’re definitely flirting.”
This time, Brian picked up the cushion and threw it at him.
Lunch was lively, filled with conversation and teasing. Annie sat between Sophie and Margaret, while Brian sat across from her. She noticed that he ate more than he usually did when they were alone, though he still pushed his food around whenever conversation distracted him.
Each time he slowed down, Annie looked at him.
Each time, Brian resumed eating.
After dessert, Sophie pulled Annie upstairs to her room.
“I want you to see these,” she announced, opening her wardrobe.
Rows of clothes filled the space.
Annie stared. “You have enough clothing to dress an entire university.”
“I know. Isn’t it beautiful?”
“It’s excessive.”
“You’re jealous.”
“I’m judging you.”
Sophie pulled out a deep green dress and held it against Annie. “This would look perfect on you.”
Annie examined the dress. “How much?”
“Don’t worry about the price.”
“That is what people say before presenting an invoice.”
Sophie laughed and placed it aside. For the next half hour, she showed Annie clothes, shoes, jewelry, and accessories while Annie offered brutally honest opinions.
“That looks like something a curtain would wear.”
“That color is fighting your skin tone.”
“Those shoes are beautiful but designed by someone who hates ankles.”
Sophie listened to every criticism with delight.
When they finally returned downstairs, Annie found Brian standing alone near the tall windows, speaking quietly on the phone.
“No. Move the meeting to Tuesday. I’m not returning to the office tonight.”
He listened for a moment.
“I said Tuesday.”
His voice was calm, but final.
When he ended the call, Annie folded her arms. “You sound terrifying when you’re being reasonable.”
Brian turned toward her. “You were listening.”
“I have ears. They work remarkably well.”
“Did Sophie show you the entire wardrobe?”
“She tried. I survived.”
Brian glanced toward the stairs. “She likes you.”
“I noticed.”
“She doesn’t invite many people into her room.”
“Then I should feel honored.”
“You should.”
Annie looked at him carefully. “Are you always this serious when you compliment someone?”
“I wasn’t complimenting you.”
“Then you need lessons.”
Brian stepped closer, his expression softening. “Would you like me to compliment you?”
The question caught her off guard.
For once, an immediate answer did not come.
Brian noticed.
His eyes moved over her face, not in a way that made her uncomfortable, but with a quiet attention that made her suddenly aware of the space between them.
“You look beautiful today,” he said.
Annie’s heartbeat stumbled.
She quickly recovered. “I know.”
Brian’s mouth curved. “Of course you do.”
“And you look less frightening than usual.”
“That’s disappointing.”
“Don’t worry. You still look arrogant.”
“I’m relieved.”
A comfortable silence settled between them.
Then Brian’s expression changed. His hand moved subtly toward his stomach.
Annie’s teasing vanished.
“Brian.”
“I’m fine.”
“I didn’t ask anything yet.”
“You were about to.”
“That is not the point.”
He looked away, but Annie stepped in front of him.
“Did you take your medication?”
His jaw tightened.
Annie’s eyes narrowed. “Brian.”
“Yes.”
“Today?”
A pause.
That pause answered her.
She exhaled sharply. “You are unbelievable.”
“I was busy.”
“You were standing here arguing with your brother earlier. You had time.”
“I forgot.”
“You don’t forget business meetings.”
“Business meetings don’t complain.”
Annie stared at him.
Brian’s expression remained calm, but something in his eyes shifted. He looked tired—not physically weak, exactly, but worn down by the effort of always remaining in control.
Annie lowered her voice. “You don’t have to act invincible every second.”
His gaze returned to hers.
“I’m not acting.”
“Then you’re naturally irritating.”
A small breath escaped him. It was almost a laugh.
Annie reached into her bag and pulled out a small packet of crackers she had taken from the kitchen.
“Eat these until you get proper food.”
Brian looked at the packet. “You carry snacks now?”
“I’ve learned that being around you requires emergency supplies.”
He accepted them.
Their fingers brushed.
It lasted barely a second, but neither of them moved immediately.
Brian looked down at their hands, then back at her.
“Thank you,” he said quietly.
Annie’s chest tightened unexpectedly.
She withdrew her hand and looked away. “Don’t make it dramatic. I’m protecting my future investment.”
“Your investment?”
“If you collapse, who will annoy me?”
Brian studied her face. “You would miss me.”
Annie’s mouth opened.
Nothing came out.
For once, Brian had managed to silence her.
His expression changed when he saw her reaction. The teasing faded, leaving something more honest in its place.
Annie looked toward the dining room. “I’m going to find Sophie.”
“Annie.”
She stopped.
“Will you come again next Sunday?”
She turned around slowly. “Are you inviting me?”
“Yes.”
“Does your mother know?”
“She will.”
“Does Sophie know?”
“She probably already does.”
“Does Jude know?”
“He’ll announce it to the entire house.”
Annie pretended to consider the offer. “I’ll think about it.”
Brian nodded. “All right.”
She took two steps before turning back.
“Brian?”
“Yes?”
“Eat the crackers.”
His mouth curved. “Yes, ma’am.”
Annie walked away before he could see her smile.
Outside, the woman in the dark sedan parked across the street lowered her phone after taking a photograph of the Starks residence.
A new message appeared on her screen.
Unknown: Are they getting closer?
She looked toward the house, then typed a reply.
Woman: Closer than expected.
She paused before adding another sentence.
Woman: But I still don’t know what he sees in her.
Inside the residence, Annie sat beside Sophie in the garden, laughing at one of Jude’s ridiculous stories.
Across the lawn, Brian watched her.
For the first time in a long while, he had no desire to return to his office.
And that realization troubled him far more than it should have.