Chapter 1

The warm breath of May drifted through my open window, carrying with it the scent of fresh-cut grass and distant lilacs. A glass of whiskey rested in my hand, its amber depths catching the low glow of the evening sun. It was a Friday, the end of a long week, and I had chosen music over television, letting the soft melody of a jazz guitar wash away the day’s burdens.

Then, movement from outside caught my attention.

My gaze lifted, drawn involuntarily to the neighbouring house. Through the window, I saw Monique.

She was seated at her desk; her posture relaxed yet poised, her long legs shifting as she absentmindedly twirled a pen in her fingers. A delicate white blouse clung to her frame, soft fabric hinting at the curves beneath, while a short brown skirt skimmed her thighs.

I wasn’t in the habit of watching her—at least, not intentionally. But Monique had always been a vision. The daughter of my neighbours, she had grown into an elegant young woman, full of life and ambition. We had spoken a number of times over the years, polite conversations that never ventured beyond the casual. She was studying architecture in Boston, but seeing her now, I realized she must be home for the summer.