Elaine cradled the phone between her shoulder and ear. The doctor’s voice crackled softly through the line.“I’m sorry, Luna Elaine. We’ve searched every archive, every backup. There’s nothing.”“Gone?” she repeated, her voice quiet, almost amused.“Yes,” the doctor said, his worry tangible. “All we
The night pressed heavy against the tall windows of Lucas’s villa, shadows slanting across the marble floors like silent scars. Ayla sat perched beside him on the velvet couch, a damp towel folded carefully in her delicate hands.Lucas leaned back, eyes closed, exhaustion dragging at his bones. The
“I got this for you, in case you needed it.” He handed the bag to her, and Elaine gently took it from her. When she peered inside, she saw some feminine hygiene products, a small bottle of over the counter pain medication, and a few truffles.For a moment, Elaine was confused, Then she remembered sh
Elaine stepped out of the summit hall, the night air crisp against her flushed skin. Each breath burned in her chest, sharp and fleeting, like her life was already fading into the wind. Her steps were careful as she descended the stone steps, her fingers brushing along the cold railing for balance.
She let out a breathy, almost tired laugh, and for a second he saw behind her cold mask, the woman he had ignored for so long. The one who’d once waited for him at night, who’d stood beside him when no one else did. The one whose smile had once belonged only to him.And now, there was nothing left.
Elaine’s heels echoed sharply down the corridor, each step ringing like a funeral bell in the hush that had fallen between them.A sham marriage? She almost laughed.She turned back halfway, eyes narrowing as she studied Lucas. The marble light framed him and his perfect suit, perfect posture. A lif