The drive to Berkshire was long and quiet, the steady hum of the engine doing little to drown out the storm in Ethan's mind.
His thoughts raced in a relentless loop about Charlotte.
Would she even want to see him? Would she listen? Or would she send him away before he got a chance to speak?
By the time he reached the quiet, tree-lined street, the sun hung high in the sky and across the pavement. He pulled up in front of a modest black gate, exhaling deeply as he cut the engine.
For a long moment, he just sat there, staring ahead. Then, with a slow, deliberate movement, he stepped out of the car, adjusting his shirt as he walked toward the gate.
His heart beats nonstop, but he forces himself forward, pressing the bell with a steady hand.
The gate hadn't even finished buzzing when it suddenly creaked open.
Mrs. Williams stepped out, a woven bag in her hand as if she was headed to the market. She stopped short when she saw him, her brows lifting in surprise.
