Keeley was napping, her head resting on her husband Aaron's lap, when he received a call from the doorman. A Lacy Knighton was there to see him. She had finally guessed his penthouse apartment; access to the doorman required knowing a tenant's apartment number.

"She's been stalking me," Aaron said icily. "Put her on the strict no-entry list. If she tries to enter the building, eject her."

"Yes, sir," the doorman replied professionally. "Would you like me to contact the police?"

"Not necessary at this time. Thank you."

The police wouldn't help; Lacy hadn't made any recent threats. Only Aaron and Keeley knew how dangerous she truly was.

He glanced down at his wife's sleeping face. She trusted him—he had to keep her and their children safe.

Over a month had passed since her graduation, and fear kept her housebound, even preventing a visit to Dr. Chapman. She was overdue. He needed to persuade her to go out, but understood her fear.

Their home, intended as a sanctuary, had become her prison. Keeley was afraid of encountering Lacy, Graydon, Ryan, or Alistair. He wasn't sure why she remained wary of Graydon, since she claimed to believe he meant them no harm.

Graydon had recently helped them by keeping Lacy away. He'd texted Aaron afterward, assuring him he'd been watching Lacy and it was safe to return home, which it had been.

Graydon's actions made no sense. He'd been instrumental in Keeley's death in a previous life, yet now he protected her. What had changed Aaron's mind? Was it simply his opposition to his father?

He wished he understood Graydon's motivations. He longed for assurance that Graydon wasn't a threat, but that wouldn't happen until he understood their past enmity. Without the ability to ask, he doubted he'd ever know for sure. Deductive reasoning only went so far. Graydon Meyer remained a mystery.

Aaron sighed, stroking Keeley's hair to calm himself. This was all too confusing. At least he had Keeley to confide in. In his previous life, he'd foolishly shouldered his burdens alone.

His marriage to Keeley—these past few months—had been the happiest of both their lives. Yet, something was missing. He knew she would never love him as she once had, though she showed affection occasionally.

She had once given him her whole heart, and he hadn't cherished it properly. It was understandable that she couldn't do that again, but it was still disappointing.

At least she stayed with him. Aaron would enjoy her laughter, adventurous spirit, and closeness for the rest of his life. That was more than he'd hoped for after she learned the truth.

Sweet Keeley. He loved her deeply, yet she still suffered because of him. He wished he could erase her worries forever.

Alistair remained a problem. "Bethany" was due back in two months, and he still lacked a believable excuse for her absence from New York. He might have to end the sham engagement. Perhaps he could pretend she fell in love with someone in Africa and decided to stay.

But that would bring Lacy Knighton back into the picture. Why couldn't she move on? She could marry anyone; why him?

She didn't love him; she didn't even know him. Her obsession was with a man who no longer existed. Aaron hadn't been what she wanted since he was seventeen.

He was powerless against her. Even if he had proof she'd drugged Keeley, the statute of limitations had expired. She hadn't committed any illegal acts recently.

Aiden hadn't found evidence of blackmail; she was clean. The only way to make her disappear was to kill her, but Keeley would never approve.

Keeley was good; she wouldn't want to be married to a murderer. Aaron would do it in a heartbeat if necessary. If she posed an active threat, he would strangle her—self-defense, at that point.

Unfortunately, all her threats had been passive. Lacy didn't even know he'd married Keeley. She was probably plotting against his supposed fiancée, Bethany, unaware of her non-existence.

But if Lacy discovered the truth, the target would revert to Keeley.

Aaron wanted better for her. He wanted her to change her last name, post their pictures online, and walk hand-in-hand without fear. That wouldn't happen with Lacy Knighton around.

Keeley shouldn't have to hide. She was innocent; she was simply living her life with the man who loved her. Why couldn't he have been born an ordinary man? They could have met and fallen in love without obstacles.

He had her in the end, but he often wondered what their relationship would have been like if he weren't Aaron Hale. If she hadn't had to fear her in-laws. If they could have lived their first life peacefully.