Austin spent most of the morning trying not to think about the diner again but he failed.Every time he closed his eyes he saw Chloe losing her balance. The tray tipping. The sudden lurch. The way his body moved before his mind caught up. He had crossed the room, caught her, and steadied the tray in one unbroken motion. It had felt effortless. Too effortless.He kept telling himself the usual things. Instinct. Adrenaline. Luck. Anything that sounded ordinary.The quiet unease from the park the night before still sat under his ribs. He had opened up more than he meant to with Rebecca. That already felt dangerous. Adding this new strangeness on top of it made everything feel less stable.By late afternoon he left the diner and started walking home. The streets were busy with the usual evening rush—cars, voices, the low hum of the city. For a few minutes he almost managed to let it fade into the background.His phone vibrated.Rebecca: Did you get some rest today?Austin smiled, the care

The Hart residence was quiet that evening. Soft lights reflected on the marble floors; classical music drifted through the halls. To most people it would have looked like pure luxury. To Rebecca it often felt heavier than that.She had barely stepped inside when an attendant approached.“Miss Rebecca, your aunt is waiting in the family lounge.”Rebecca paused. “Aunt Victoria?”“Yes, Miss.”She drew a quiet breath. “Thank you.”Victoria Hart sat on the cream sofa, teacup in hand. Every movement was measured, every expression controlled.“Rebecca.”“Good evening, Aunt Victoria.”Victoria gestured to the opposite seat. Rebecca sat. A moment later Mrs. Hart entered and took a place nearby. She already sensed this was not a casual visit.Victoria set her cup down. “Every year your father’s conditions become more real.”Rebecca kept her eyes lowered. She knew exactly what her aunt meant. Under the terms of her father’s will, she was required to marry before a stated age. If she did not, con