Chapter 10

As soon as the plane landed, Theodore rushed straight to the villa, eager to get home. He clutched the carefully chosen gift bags, his steps quick and impatient as he pushed open the front door. "Clarisse?" he called out, his voice full of longing after their days apart. The villa was completely silent, and no one answered. Frowning, Theodore set the gifts down on the entry cabinet and hurried toward the master bedroom. He wondered if Clarisse was still resting in the bedroom. He pushed open the door, only to find the room completely empty. An uneasy feeling crept in. "Maybe she went out for a walk to clear her mind. But didn't I say I'll take her out once she feels better? Or is she still upset and giving me the silent treatment? That has to be it," he told himself, forcing down the growing sense of anxiety. His eyes swept across the room. Everything on Clarisse's vanity was perfectly arranged, and the matching mugs he'd made for them sat side by side on the nightstand. He opene