Page 119 of House of Lies

Sharp pin pricks invade my fingertips as I sweep through my penthouse. An icy dread settles deep in my stomach the further I search, the longer the silence stretches.

She’s gone.

I know it before I’m even done searching, just like I knew it the moment I stepped into Glenmont Manor all those months ago and realized it was empty, too.

I’m already expecting to find a bare closet. Suitcases missing. A note.

That motherfucking note.

I committed it to memory. Not purposefully, but if you read something enough times, trying to decipher it, it sticks.

Ethan

I cannot live a lie anymore.

I have met someone who has shown me more happiness, joy, and love than I ever thought possible.

I know you will find this hard to believe because I worked so hard to pretend that I loved you. I had to until I knew it would be safe to leave.

We both know what would have happened if I’d stayed.

Yours no more,

Becks.

Where would Cassidy have left hers? On the nightstand? I didn’t see it on the kitchen table.

Becks left it on the bed. Casually tossed on the unmade sheets like an afterthought. I couldn’t bear to wash them. Couldn’t bear to throw them away. They’re in that box, along with the rest of the junk she left behind.

But when I charge into my walk-in closet, her clothes are still there. The tightness in my chest eases a little, but I don’t let myself relax just yet. She’s definitely not here, but where the hell would she have?—

I rip my phone out of my pocket and try to unlock it.

It’s dead.

I’ve been so busy today, I didn’t even think to check if it was charged.

How long did Cassidy wait before deciding I wasn’t coming back when I promised?

She must have gotten tired of waiting.

I know exactly where she’s gone.

After our fight yesterday, I’m not even surprised. She thinks I don’t care about her mother’s disappearance. But of course I do, because I care about her. Cassidy filled a void I was convinced would remain empty until the day I died, because I was actively pushing everyone away, refusing to let them get close. Cassidy wouldn’t allow me to push her away, stubborn woman. She had her own agenda, and thank God, because I became powerless to resist.

What started as a distraction quickly became an infatuation. Until yesterday, I was still in a state of disbelief about how perfect we were together.

But I guess we still have some things to work on.

Fuck. When did she leave? A few minutes ago? An hour ago?

My concierge didn’t mention that she had left, but maybe she’d exited in the lobby and he hadn’t seen her. He knows I always exit on the parking level so I can avoid the people mingling around in reception.

I hurry back to the elevator, stabbing the button for the parking level and willing the contraption to get going. As the doors close, I let out an incredulous huff.

The audacity of my Cassidy, walking into the Devil’s Den by herself.

But she’s no lost little lamb anymore.

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