Chapter 24

Back in college, Victoria majored in art, not post-mortem restoration. And what she loved most back then was sketching Theodore—life-sized portraits, over and over again. That version of him wasn't as cold and distant as he was now. Most classmates thought of him as the "cool guy nobody could reach," but Victoria wasn't fazed by that. If anything, she was even more determined. Eventually, like it was bound to happen, they ended up together. Looking back now, it all felt pretty surreal—like some dream she woke up from. To be fair, Theodore had once been unusually patient with her. He stood quietly next to her, handkerchief extended. When she didn't take it, he didn't say a word, just kept those deep dark eyes locked on her. He didn't have to come looking for her tonight—but he did. Not sure how long had passed, Victoria's legs were starting to go numb. Slowly, she reached for the handkerchief. But the moment she held it, a faint scent hit her—women's perfume. One she'd smelled before—on