l

solved into a blur of black f

ast life, since this time I wasn't locked away sobbing in my room

elatives, business associates, and the kind of acquai

a gone cold in my hands, playing the role I knew better

gnized cooed, patting my knee. "Married

ant-five years of "vitamins," five years of a marriage built entirely on my inherit

hispered, my voice cracking

eyes with a lace handkerchief that had never once touched actual tears. Every few minutes, her

r nothing

While the aunt moved on to my father-in-law, I

om, funded almost entirely by the inheritance he left me-and somehow, through p

or hours, always locking the door behind him. I never asked why. I was t

ving me off if I offered to help organize it. I'd never questioned that either. Now, knowing

ding day, which Vivian was currently standing beside, pret

lready won. That wa

own to press a glass of amber liquid into my ha

pure reflex before my mind caught up. I lo

brother-in-law, the helpful drink, the practiced gentleness in his voice. My past life

de table without drinking. "I don't think alcohol will help me think

t I'd declined. He recovered quickly, flashing me that s

e said. "Whate

need. If on

adn't left my side once since we walked through the door, glaring daggers at anyone who got too clos

es said their goodbyes, Roxy pulle

ed, glancing warily toward my mother-in-law

nd. "I need you rested for tomorrow more

a kiss to my cheek before heading for the door. "C

the last car pulled out of the driveway, her sorrowful exp

n audible crack. "That's done. Elena, go res

aperwork Adrian had no doubt already forge

e sweep once more across the room-Vivian, still lingering by the mantel, s

o be done grieving for a son who wasn't even dead

st, entirely different from the gri

d to them. Tomorrow, and every

d softly, and walked out of

leaned against it, finally letting th

s suppose

osedly burned with

t my own phone, a thou

f it h

one was still somew

ightened aro

nly one way

to call my d