a Bak

eit affection. "To us, Eliana. To many more years, to our family,

e around my heart. My gaze drifted past Jacoby, out the window, at the vibr

ice. Sounds urgent." He stood up, whispering to me, "Just stay right here, darling. Don't wander off. You k

rd. "Such a considerate husband!" he b

is assistant, Mark, already waiting, whispering furiously into his ear. Mark led hi

es in my own garage, before Jacoby had gifted it to Bridgette Cole, claim

The driver, her blonde hair gleaming in the sunlight, was unmis

. I answered, my heart pounding a

e, syrupy sweet, oozed from the speaker. It was a speakerp

ette. Just Eliana. She's a bit fragile, you know. Has to ke

make her regret it. Now, tell me again about our little 'getaway' next mon

algorithm. He was not just cheating; he was systematically dest

. Let's start with that little cabin by the lake. Just us. We'll finalize the detai

on't you dare forget who's pulling the strings here. Your

sound. "You wound me, Bridgette. Bu

mistakable. My grip on the phone tightened until my knuckles

appuccino, a cruel mockery of love. With a violent sweep of my hand, I knocked the cup off the tabl

ace etched with concern. "Eliana

back inside. His eyes, though, were not on

ss! You're so clumsy sometimes." He turned to Mr. Henderson, offering a placating smil

her?" I repeated, my voice a mere whisper, thick

s, or a fleeting moment of guilt. "What are you talking about, Eliana? You're not

d, my voice barely audibl

g. "Eliana, you're being hyste

orless sound. "What's wrong with you, Jacoby? O

cing his annoyance. "My fut

, my gaze sweeping over him, taking in the expensive suit, the smug

you home. You're clearly unwell." He grabbed

m not unwell, Jacoby. I'm just... d

n exasperation. "Done with what

ght my reflection in a store window, my eyes wide and haunted.

. Not Bridgette's Tesla, but equally luxurious. He hesitated

shing to meet them. Probably to discuss his "brilliant" career trajectory, obliviou

acoby. His active location was shared with me, always

ming on my lips. "Oh, Jacoby," I whisp