#Chapter 129: Midnight Walks

Olivia No matter how hard I tried, sleep eluded me that night. Despite the plush bedding and the soothing hum of the night crickets outside, my mind whirred with a thousand unsolved puzzles. The strange behavior of Jen and Colin, the peculiar dynamics between the guests, and Nathan’s confession in the study—each detail gnawed at me. I needed fresh air. Throwing my blankets off of myself, I threw on my robe and padded down the hall, past Nathan’s room, then down the steps. A moment later, I stepped out into the expansive yard. The cool breeze kissed my skin, and the soft glow of the moonlight painted everything in muted hues. But the serenity outside was in stark contrast to the turmoil inside of me. What was the story behind Jenifer’s particular rudeness tonight? Why had Colin vacationed without Maria and Nathan? Where was Maria, and why… Why was there a sultry portrait of Jenifer hung above the fireplace, where I was pretty certain Maria’s portrait used to h