A week later, Charles came to Brookesville on a business trip.

Originally, he planned to leave as soon as his business was concluded. Last time, he was deeply hurt by Renata. He might’ve missed her occasionally, but he’d never set aside his pride easily unless she took the initiative to reconcile.

He thought about it over and over again and was truly surprised when she asked Jake to mediate the fight between them.

On the night before he left Brookesville, Charles stood by the window and read