Page 11 of Symphony for Lies

“Just now.”

“Can we have dinner together?”

“No, Simon. Go eat and then head to bed.”

That was it. Nothing more.

Simon’s head lowered. “Okay.”

I bit my lip.He looked so sad.

Mrs. Cole cleared her throat loudly to regain my attention, then turned and walked toward the living room.

I nodded one last time at Simon before following her.

The living room was breathtaking, with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the garden. An entire wall was lined with shelves adorned with trophies. An open grand piano sat in the corner with sheets of music on the stand. And on the walls were lots of family portraits. I noticed that Zane was the only one featured alone.

My gaze lingered there for a moment too long before I turned to look at Mrs. Cole.

She stood by the window, her arms crossed over her chest as if she were hugging herself.

I remained a few steps back, waiting for her to speak.

She took her time, and when I glanced outside, I saw the sky had darkened considerably. A nervous feeling settled in my stomach. The longer I stayed, the more unsettling my walk home would be.

“Amelia, how is Simon doing?”

Her voice pulled me from my thoughts, and I quickly pushed my unease aside.

“He’s improved a lot.”

She frowned. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. He’s a bright boy.”

Her body didn’t relax. If anything, her shoulders slumped slightly as if that had been the wrong answer.

“I don’t want Simon to stay at that school.”

I blinked, confused. I didn’t understand what that question had to do with the situation.

“But if you say he’s improving, I won’t be able to convince my husband otherwise.”

Oh… She didn’t care about what was best for Simon. She cared about getting her way.

“May I ask why you want him to transfer?”

I wasn’t sure how far I could push, but the question slipped out before I could stop it.

She blinked. Her flawless expression remained intact, but something flickered in her eyes.

“I don’t know… it just bothers me that he goes there.”

I stiffened. Wow. What a wonderful reason…

Silence stretched between us. Then… a sigh.

“Everything feels too much lately.”

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