into a haze of

rowing

ted an a

thes, handba

time when "love" was a w

ow, symbols of a life t

man named Ms. Albright, ha

taste," she commented, exa

k, actually. Picked up the entire ne

were casua

like stones

olled through Instagr

anders'

bag, perched on a

ing appreciate

s, a bitter tas

come with me," I s

iend since our days at

rutally honest. S

ng, El?" she aske

e. A place I

owards the Colum

breathtaking, wi

rk, overlooking the river, Mount H

online. Qui

under a sprawling oak tree,

one,

, confused. "Ell

r car, the s

ep breath a

. The prognos

d. Tears streame

. There has to

he grief, it

through me, more i

y side, and collapsed

king you to the ER!" Liv

gh gritted teeth. "Hom

leaded, but I

car, her movements jerk

ulled out her phone

lled M

oicemail. "Ellie is sick! Really sick! And it's your da

st Hills house, wrapped in a blan

annoyed,

ere being dramatic agai

d answer, the

s ope

the doorstep, a visio

lowing with expensive orga

at you weren't feeling well, Ellie," Chloe said, her

, her eyes taking in my

laugh. "Strategy brunch? I

"Ellie, where ar

our employees, Marcus?" I shot ba

d up. She played t

. I just wan

ing with Chloe! This house is unbea

his phone already to his

me, her smile gone, her

sofa you love? I told Marcus

gleamed w

nt more nights in your marital bed th

letting her

more refined. He's redeco

inside m

e of strength, I reached

hoed in the

ed, clutchin

back in, his f

e you lost