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Prologue

Ashlyn

Welcome to your new life, Ashlyn

A chill runs down y, worn-down, drab space in front of me Even with the weather still considerably warm in Charleston this time of year, the cold settles in my bones It isn’t the first time dread and uncertainty battle in my subconscious

Buyer’s Remorse? Is that what this is?

Get it together, Ashlyn You wanted this, so now it’s time to own your decision I reprihts out of my head

Maybe it wasn’t such an excellent idea to drive in a day early and stay here by ht at the Brasher Hotel sounds better and better, I think, co the luxurious accommodations to the rickety old Victorian that needs much more work than I will admit

Then, like the few times I’ve allowed myself to , the dread disappears, and a renewed sense of pride takes its place

This is , nomy money into a black hole of no return I’hborhood, in a perfect new city When this place gets the love and attention it needs, it will be spectacular

That’s the last tiative Because this isworld of Chicago is in my rearview mirror, and Charleston will become my paradise

Right as s and I debate answering for fear of losing o either way But if I don’t answer, the consequences couldon my door before daybreak

“Hey, Dad”

“Yoursleep, barely eating, and her anxiety is off the charts We can’t live like this, so I’ll buy your house and you can come back here and plan your next steps”

I s etsleep, barely eating, high anxiety? How is she functioning?”

“It’s tough, and it’s serious You need to rethink your plans and get back here before she has an all-out panic attack She’s not capable of handling this kind of stress, and frankly, we’re all worried about her Your brothers and I can hardly get her to smile This decision of yours has her in a panic”

“Is she there? May I speak to her?”