I nearly dropped my phone, staring at those three simple words on the screen.
My heart slammed against my ribs like it was trying to escape my chest. With trembling fingers, I hastily wrapped myself in my silk robe, not even bothering to call Lily for assistance.
My damp hair clung to my neck as I rushed downstairs, leaving wet footprints across the polished hardwood floors.
Clayton, Rachel, and Sean sat in the living room, their conversation about today's security arrangements stopping abruptly when they saw me.
"Ms. Shaw, is everything alright?" Clayton rose immediately, his brow furrowed with concern.
I couldn't form words. My mind was already outside, beyond those heavy oak doors. Without responding, I pushed past them and hurried through the garden, my bare feet padding along the stone pathway. The cool morning air prickled against my skin, but I barely noticed.
And then I saw him.
