Cran

watch. It felt heavy in my palm, a solid, tangible lie. He always k

t was faded but still legible, a testament to its age. My

ver,

deeply into the metal, a permanent declaration. I had seen this watch countless times, held it even, cleaned it for him. He'd always brushed off the engr

was a symbol, not of his heritage, but of his true heart. Hi

tely tried to weave myself into, shattered like fragile glass. My

solute understanding. The realization didn't hurt in the way I expected, not anymore. The pain had been a constant companion fo

erstudy, forever waiting for a role that was already filled. This watch, this tiny, i

movements were precise, almost surgical. My decision was no longer just about escape; it was

elf, a whisper in the silent room. "And

e, "could you promise me something? When I'm out on the water tomorrow, don't call me. I want to be

prise in his eyes. "No call

s my one day to truly be free, to think, to create, withou

of uninterrupted bliss for my artistic genius. I'll make sure no one bothers you. My

he irony. He couldn't. He was too consumed by his own world, his own perception of generos

en think to. Tomorrow, he would be basking in Elia's glory, celebrating their shared success. He wo

at my own wake. Everyone congratulated Graham and Elia, their names intertwined, their success celebrated as a

emerald green, her arm linked possessively through his. "Tell everyone about the new project! It

odest, Elia. You're the backbone of this operat

anscended professional admiration. It was raw, palpable, almost indecent in its public display. My heart,

champagne. "Elia, my dear, you truly are a marvel! Without you, Graham would be lost." She then g

ly, my supposed allies, had long since accepted my role as the decorative wife, the quiet support. They saw the dazzling

idious erosion of my value by everyone around me. They

y remark directed at Elia, every dismissive glance, every casual touch between them, was

to me. "See, my love? This is what I was talking abou

two are brilliant together." And they were

ry gesture before turning back to

tion, was the catalyst. It wasn't about revenge. It was about survival. I would leave them to their shared glory, to their intertwin