Chapter 19

Catherine's fingers twisted around each other, a tangle of emotions simmering in her chest. She hated how William, the moment he woke up, was already thinking about Elizabeth. But when she reminded herself that Elizabeth had vanished without a trace, not even a body found, a bit of relief crept in. "Still no news," Catherine said, her voice laced with sorrow, masking just enough strength to make her look heartbreakingly brave. "But don't worry, William. No news might be a good sign. I believe Elizabeth will be okay." But that kind of false hope didn't apply here. Elizabeth had fallen off a cliff into freezing waters—cold, suffocating. There was no way she'd survive that. William's eyes darkened with grief, and Catherine noticed. She suddenly grabbed his hand, her tone panicked. "William... are you in love with Elizabeth?" He didn't answer. Just looked at her with that icy stare, empty of warmth, colder than the chill at the bottom of that lake. Catherine froze, her fingers trembling as