Chapter 97

Liam pushed open the front door, the soft click of the lock barely audible over the quiet hum of the house. The familiar scent of vanilla candles and freshly baked cookies hung in the air—a comforting contrast to the storm of thoughts swirling in his mind. The house was peaceful, bathed in the soft glow of the chandelier overhead. His footsteps were light as he walked in, the weight of the day heavy on his shoulders. He paused for a moment, listening.