LOGINThen I noticed Gustav discreetly waving to me from near the exit, flashing a mischievous grin and subtly showing a bottle of champagne from under his jacket. I understood my partner-in-crime without a word and headed straight to him.Once we stepped outside, I finally felt like I could breathe again. The moon hung bright and full in the night sky, bathing the grand Grautz estate in silvery light.“Come on,” Gustav said softly. “There’s a nice spot in the garden not far from here. We can sit there.”I nodded and followed him without a word. The rest of the evening passed quietly — just the two of us talking about everything and nothing, sipping champagne, laughing. Gustav was a good guy — a little impulsive at times, but kind at heart. I truly hoped he’d find a good wife someday.We laughed a lot as he told me stories about his escapades, his studies, and his friends. I envied him a little — not in a bad way, just that light, wistful kind of envy. Because I didn’t have what he had… and
“You’re telling me!” Marta replies with a wistful smile. “I miss mine too. I wonder how he’s doing there. Can you believe it? Almost five years now — our first little anniversary. I’ve always liked that he was older,” she adds with a playful laugh.Ever since their husbands passed away, these ladies have become a bit… peculiar. Farina's husband died in a car accident twelve years ago, and Marta's passed of old age five years ago — at the age of one hundred and seven. He’d been much older than his wife.“Oh, you little courtesan!” Faina laughs. “But all jokes aside… I can already feel that my child is in the womb. So it’s almost time,” she says, gazing sadly at her friend.“What? Already?” Tears well up in Marta's eyes. “Everyone keeps leaving me. But I’m happy for you. I hope your next life turns out beautifully.”The women embrace tenderly.Watching this little scene, Gustav discreetly twirls his finger near his temple, and we quietly move away with our drinks. But we don’t make it f
As we walked closer to the couple, only a few seconds passed — but they felt like an eternity. We still couldn’t tear our burning gazes away from each other, drinking in every detail of one another’s appearance.While no one seemed to have noticed our silent staring contest, I tried with all my might to pull myself together and bring my eyes back to normal. I saw him turn back toward his fiancée, and by the time he looked at me again, we were already standing right in front of them — and his eyes were now a deep stormy gray, the color of wet asphalt.We stopped before the couple, and the groom gave us a proud, assessing look filled with irritation and a touch of anger. Oh, look at him — all arrogance and authority! Well, darling, I hadn’t exactly planned to meet you here either! I shot him a defiant stare in return.“Eli, this is my fiancé — Robert!” Camilla quickly introduced her companion. “I know he’s handsome, but there’s no need to stare at him like that — he’s mine!” she added w
I just rolled my eyes mentally. “What will people think of us?!” was mom’s favorite phrase, probably her life motto. Apparently, it was unacceptable for anyone to think poorly of us, so you had to go out of your way to please everyone.At the engagement, our family hadn’t even been there—Dad was on a business trip abroad, and without him, we didn’t attend events, staying home like obedient chickens.“Oh, and what a fiancé they found for Camilla!” Mom rolled her eyes in delight. “Rich, young, handsome! Camilla is lucky! What a beautiful couple they’ll make. She’s been single for far too long. At twenty-three, I was already taking care of you,” she sighed, looking at me.Yes, taking care. In her eyes, shoving me onto nannies and housekeepers counted as “taking care” of a child. I would never treat my own kids like that. Nannies aren’t bad, but mom and dad should be actively involved and give their children plenty of attention.In front of us, I could already see uncle Arnold’s magnifice
Five years before:“Elizabeth, are you going to be long? We’re already running late!” my mother moaned again, bustling around the house and gathering her things.It was always like this. Mom took forever to get ready, yet somehow, it was my fault in the end. Well, who else could it be? After all, I was the only child. Even though I was already sitting in the living room, fully dressed, lazily scrolling through my phone.“Alright, looks like we’re ready. Elizabeth, did you bring everything you need?” Mother asked strictly, scanning me with her eyes. I had to look proper in front of relatives and my parents’ friends.I had styled my long red hair in a soft updo, leaving my neck visible—so everyone could see that I was unattached. I wore a fitted light blue dress that highlighted my eyes, embroidered delicately with white patterns. It fell below the knee, had a modest neckline, and sleeves that reached mid-arm. On my feet were low-heeled shoes. My makeup was minimal—just mascara and lip
The next morning came so quickly. It felt like I had just closed my eyes, and the sun was already shining. The change in time zones and long flights left my body completely exhausted.Turning over in bed, I found my husband wasn’t there. I ran my hand over the pillow — it was already cold, but it still carried his scent.Where could he have run off to so early in the morning? Although, looking out the window, it didn’t seem like morning at all anymore.I took in our room. It had changed a lot, but hadn’t lost its unique charm. The size was the same. I noticed the new floor and the wall with the large window. I saw there was also a glass door leading to an attached terrace, from which part of the river and dense forest were visible. The walls seemed to be made of the same material as before.The bed was new — much bigger and sturdier than the old one, which we had already tested last night. To my surprise, the wardrobe and dresser were the same as before, restored beautifully and looki







