Chapter 6

Friday morning dawned bright and warm, the kind of perfect late-spring day that made working a half-day feel like the only sensible choice. Both Elise and Rob had cleared their schedules by noon, not because of the dinner with Ella, though that hovered pleasantly in the background, but simply to enjoy the sunshine before the forecasted rain rolled in over the weekend. They lingered over breakfast at the kitchen island: strong coffee, fresh fruit, and buttery avocado toast. Conversation stayed light, full of easy laughter and plans for a lazy Saturday hike if the weather held.

After the dishes were cleared, they tackled a bit of house cleaning together, vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, fluffing cushions, so the place would feel welcoming without looking like they’d tried too hard. Elise had already decided on the menu: a crisp starter salad, a simple but elegant fish main with rice, and a light dessert she could mostly prepare ahead. She was a confident home cook, the kind who could elevate everyday ingredients without needing fancy techniques.

For the salad she planned mixed greens with thinly sliced fennel, toasted pine nuts, segments of blood orange, and a bright citrus vinaigrette whisked with good olive oil, Dijon, and a touch of honey. The main would be pan-seared halibut fillets, perfectly golden on the outside, flaky inside, served over fragrant saffron-infused basmati rice with a delicate lemon-butter sauce and steamed asparagus spears. Dessert was a make-ahead lemon panna cotta set in individual glasses, topped at the last minute with fresh raspberries and a drizzle of warm honey.

“Everything for the panna cotta is already in the fridge,” Elise told Rob as she handed him a short shopping list. “Just need fresh halibut, asparagus, fennel, blood oranges, and the pine nuts if we’re low. Oh, and grab two bottles of wine, something crisp and mineral for the fish, maybe a good Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling.”

Rob kissed her quickly on the cheek and headed out. As he stepped toward his car, keys jingling, a sleek silver sedan pulled smoothly into Ella’s driveway. He tried not to stare too obviously, but it was impossible not to notice the woman who climbed out.

She was stunning, fashion-model slim, long legs, elegant posture, with glossy dark brunette hair falling in a straight, expensive cut to her shoulders. Her outfit matched Ella’s usual polished style: a tailored cream blouse tucked into high-waisted black trousers that skimmed her narrow hips, finished with pointed-toe heels and a delicate gold chain at her throat. She moved with graceful confidence up the front steps and rang the bell.