CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY THREE - An Unsettling Surprise

Ella nodded against his chest, wanting desperately to believe him. But as she lay awake that night, listening to Lucas's steady breathing beside her, she couldn't shake the feeling that their peaceful life was slipping away. The next morning dawned grey and overcast, matching Ella's mood perfectly. She went through her morning routine mechanically, her mind elsewhere as she helped Sophia get ready for preschool. "Mommy, why are you sad?" Sophia asked as Ella braided her hair. The innocent question caught Ella off guard. She paused, meeting her daughter's concerned gaze in the mirror. "I'm not sad, sweetie," she lied, forcing a smile. "Mommy's just a little tired. Now, let's get you to school, okay?" As they headed downstairs, Ella noticed an envelope on the floor near the mail slot. Her heart skipped a beat. It was addressed to her in the same elegant script as the gift cards. With shaking hands, Ella picked up the envelope. There was no return address. "Sophia, honey, go wait in