Chapter 14 Summoned
Hannah
I slept deeply.
It surprised me how complete it was, how dark and heavy the sleep felt, like my body had finally collapsed under the weight of everything I’d been holding in. I didn’t dream. Or maybe I did and forgot them the moment I woke up. Either way, when my eyes opened, the ache in my chest was duller, muted by exhaustion.
Crying yourself to sleep does that. It drains you empty.
I lay still for a moment, staring at the ceiling, then forced myself to breathe evenly. You survived yesterday, I told myself. You can survive today.
And today, I had something to look forward to.
The shelter.
That small spark of anticipation was enough to pull me out of bed. I showered, dressed simply in jeans, a soft blouse I didn’t mind getting dirty and tied my hair back. I caught my reflection in the mirror and paused.
My eyes were still puffy. My face thinner somehow. But there was a steadiness there I hadn’t seen in weeks.
I went downstairs at my usual time, careful not to rush, careful not to linger. The dining room was quiet. No Timothy. No Yvonne. Just staff moving soundlessly around the long table.
I ate quickly, not tasting much, my mind already halfway out the door. As I stood to leave, bag slung over my shoulder…..
“Hannah.”
My spine stiffened.
I turned slowly to see Yvonne entering the room, dressed immaculately, her expression sharp and assessing. She looked like she’d been awake for hours. Like she’d been waiting.
“Oh. Good morning, Yvonne. Can I help you with something?” I said.
She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“I…I was just heading out,” I replied carefully.
She clicked her tongue. “So late. You young people are either absurdly lazy or absurdly busy. Which are you?”
I swallowed. “I’m volunteering.”
“At your age?” she said lightly. “How noble.”
She moved closer, heels clicking against the marble floor. “By the way, Timothy’s father and I stayed the night. I assume you’re aware this is his house? Timothy, I mean.”
I nodded. “Of course.”
“Good,” she said. “I wouldn’t want any confusion. Some women get ideas once they marry into wealth.”
I literally didn’t understand why she was telling me this, seeing as my father was who he was. Her gaze flicked over me, lingering just long enough to make my skin crawl. “And you’re just waking up now?”
“It’s not late,” I said quietly.
“For someone with nothing to do, it is,” she replied smoothly. “So. Where exactly are you volunteering?”
I hesitated. Just a fraction.
“A pet shelter,” I said. “Not far from here.”
Her brows lifted. “Animals?” She gave a soft laugh. “How predictable. You’re trying to soften your image, I suppose. The disgraced wife doing charity work. Very strategic.”
I opened my mouth, then closed it.
Correcting her wouldn’t help. Letting her believe it cost me nothing.
She seemed satisfied with that. “Just don’t embarrass the family,” she said, waving a hand dismissively. “You may go.”
Relief loosened something in my chest. I inclined my head and left before she could say anything else.
The drive to the shelter felt longer today, my nerves buzzing faintly from the encounter. But the moment I stepped inside Pet Patrol, the noise and warmth wrapped around me like a balm.
“Hannah!” Sienna called, beaming. “Right on time.”
The day melted into something good.
I worked. I laughed. I forgot to watch the clock. I walked Milo again and sat with Duchess while she pretended not to enjoy the attention. I scrubbed floors and sorted supplies and listened as Sienna told me about her plans to expand the shelter someday.
For a few hours, I wasn’t anyone’s disgrace or burden or mistake.
I was just… Hannah.
It was mid-afternoon when it happened.
I was in the back room, refilling water bowls, when one of my guards appeared at the doorway. He didn’t speak immediately. Just waited.
Something in his posture made my stomach drop.
“Mrs. Blackwood,” he said quietly. “We need to leave. Now.”
I straightened. “Is something wrong?”
“I’ve been instructed to take you home immediately,” he said. “Mr. Blackwood is requesting your presence.”
My heart skipped. “Timothy?”
“Yes.”
That single word echoed too loudly in my head.
“Did he say why?” I asked.
“I wasn’t told.”
Sienna appeared behind me, concern etched across her face. “Everything okay?”
“I…” I hesitated, forcing a smile. “I think so. I just… have to go.”
She frowned. “You sure? You look pale.”
“I’m fine,” I lied. “I promise.”
We exchanged a quick hug, and I murmured a goodbye that felt heavier than it should have. As I walked out, I glanced back once more, memorizing the way the light slanted through the windows, the sound of barking and laughter.
Just in case.
The car ride back was silent.
My thoughts weren’t.
Why now? What could he possibly want? Did something happen?
The house came into view far too quickly. As we pulled into the drive, my pulse thudded in my ears, a growing sense of dread settling deep in my gut.
I stepped out of the car.