Chapter 17

After getting in the car, Jason frowned slightly, feeling like something was missing. The car was unnaturally quiet, lacking something familiar. He furrowed his brow, trying to remember. That familiar lavender scent that used to help ease his tense nerves was gone. "Why did you change the car fragrance?" he asked the driver coldly. The driver glanced at him through the rearview mirror, answering carefully, "Mr. Reid, Mrs. Reid made the previous fragrance herself. She said it would calm your nerves. But recently, she hasn't provided any new ones." Jason froze as several images suddenly flashed through his mind. Coming home late from work, Victoria always left a light on in the foyer with a cup of warm tea on the table. When his stomach hurt, she'd make oatmeal with a touch of cinnamon, creamy but not too sweet. On rainy days, she'd quietly slip a small lavender sachet into his suit pocket, saying it would ward off the damp and cold. Those small, tender gestures he'd barely notic