a P

e was everywhere. Her new things were already placed in the guest suite, a splash of vibrant colors against

ce, once strained with worry for Corliss, now held a relaxed confidence. He often left early and returned late, hi

eyes shining. "For Corliss's progress, for my latest deal, for... everything good th

iful, emerald-green gown, shimmering silk. It was stunning. Garrison had left a note w

stume. I arrived at the grand ballroom alone, just as instructed. The place was already buzzing with guests,

g open. Garrison stood there, radiant in a tailored suit, a dazzling smile

the exact same e

ss. It wasn't a mistake. It was a deliberate, calculated humiliation. Her eyes

, they're wearing the same dress!" "How embarrassing for

spotlight. They didn't even glance my way. I was a mere shadow, a poor

... off," one woman murmured. "Emotionally stunted, you know." Another c

tion, sharp and painful, pierced through my usual numbness. It felt like... deep, profound sha

, my eyes scanning for an exit. But the doors were blocked, people jostlin

r and slipped outside, needing a breath of fresh air. The night was cold, the wind biting through the thin

n a quiet corner, trying to blend into the shadows. From my vantage point, I watched Garri

n hand. "Mr. Crawford, rumors are swirling. Who

"Katia is... very important to me. To my family. She's been a rock, a source of incred

st whispered nearby, a woman I didn't recognize. "N

a whisper. This was my life now, wasn't it? A discarded thing, watching the man I loved build

acknowledging his family, his success, and "the bright future ahea

elier, hanging precariously from the high ceiling, swayed. People looked up

g groan, the entire st

on was standing directly beneath it, his back to the descending danger. Katia was next to him, h

r. Katia screamed, pulling him further back. I felt a tremendou

was Garrison's face. He was looking at Katia, his eye

ed. I blinked, disoriented. Hospital. I was in a hospital. The room was sta

e. I gasped, falling back against the pillows. Finally, with a monumental effort, I managed to reach the glass

ere, his face grim. My heart gave a stra

e of paper, a small, intricate spring, and a tiny, almost

ded, his voice low and menacin

king about," I whispered, confused

e security footage. It shows you, Elna. Right before the cha

! I didn't! I pushed you out of

ia! You were jealous, weren't you? You wanted to hurt her, to get rid o

n my eyes. "Katia... she's the one who hurt me

while your actions are crystal clear," Garrison sneered. "We found this near the cha

, indistinct but clearly me, standing on a chair near the chan

ispered, shaking my head.

disgust. "Always so quiet, so devoid of emotion. But underneath that ca

l a searing pain in my chest. "Katia is the ma

ttling. "You will not speak ill of Katia! She is a kind, selfless woman who has helped my

s, Elna. You will apologize to Katia, and you will understand your place. You will learn to con

soft, "I used to think that beneath your... unusual nature, there was a good heart. A pure

hing. The tears I had been holding back finally broke free, streaming down my f

licking shut behind him. The

y. A

of everything I thought we had. But also, empty of him. And wit

ld leave this life. I wo