Chapter 107

The drive to Berkshire was long and quiet, the steady hum of the engine doing little to drown out the storm in Ethan's mind.

His thoughts raced in a relentless loop about Charlotte.

Would she even want to see him? Would she listen? Or would she send him away before he got a chance to speak?

By the time he reached the quiet, tree-lined street, the sun hung high in the sky and across the pavement. He pulled up in front of a modest black gate, exhaling deeply as he cut the engine.

For a long moment, he just sat there, staring ahead. Then, with a slow, deliberate movement, he stepped out of the car, adjusting his shirt as he walked toward the gate. 

His heart beats nonstop, but he forces himself forward, pressing the bell with a steady hand.

The gate hadn't even finished buzzing when it suddenly creaked open.