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**Elena**“Elena. Where are you?” a voice called into my ear. Deep and familiar.“Nick? Hello… is that you?” I answered, my chest tightening up. Every word I spoke tumbled out faster than I could catch them. “Why are you calling me with a different number? What happened? Is everything okay?”I didn’t give him a moment to speak. My hands were trembling, and my eyes kept scanning my surroundings as if something might jump out at me.“Calm down, Elena,” Nick’s voice finally cut in. “I’m perfectly fine. My phone died, so I had to use my office line.”That slowed me for a heartbeat, but my mind leapt straight to the next worry.“What happened? Is there a problem?”And then it hit me all at once. Dad.“Is there anything wrong with my dad, Nick?” My voice cracked despite my best effort to hold it steady.“He’s awake,” Nick told me, and I could hear the smile in his words.For a second, I wasn’t sure if I’d heard him properly. My thoughts were a jumble of relief and disbelief.“My dad’s awake
**Elena**“Tell me what’s really going on,” I asked sternly.Lauren looked at me, her hands trembling.A few wildflowers brushed my shoes as a light wind moved between us.“Unless you want to disrespect mom's graveyard by lying,” I added, my eyes locked on hers.Her lips parted, then pressed together again like she was holding back the whole world.“Tell me what the fuck is going on, Lauren,” I snapped.Her hands flew up to her ears, and she let out a small scream. “I made a big mistake,” she cried. “I shouldn’t have married Adolfo. I was blinded by love. I thought he’d change.”She kept fidgeting with her hands, rubbing them together so fast I thought she’d tear her own skin off.I moved a step closer, my heart thudding in my chest.“He’s a fucking monster,” she whispered. Her whole body was shaking, and tears ran down her face.A knot of anger pulled tight inside me. “I’ll kill him,” I growled without thinking.Adolfo was strong, I knew that. Going up against him was like signing my
**Elena**The fresh smell of earth and the faint hint of damp grass wrapped around me as I stood in front of Mom’s grave. The morning air felt soft and quiet.Last night with Xavier was… fun. Strange, even. But this morning was about Mom.I pulled the mask from my face and set it down beside me. My brown pants rubbed on the grass as I sank to my knees. The earth felt cold. Somehow, it felt right.“Hi, Mom,” I said softly, brushing a few dried leaves from the stone. “How are you? It’s been too long.”My voice shook, and I pressed my palm to the top of the grave. “I’m sorry Dad couldn’t make it this year. You know how he is… struggling, on that damn hospital bed.”I placed the bouquet down carefully, touching the petals as if she could feel it. “Mom, I miss you every day.” I wiped my nose with the back of my hand. “I try to be strong like you taught me, but some days it’s harder than others. Sometimes I just want to ask you… what do I do? What’s the right thing?”I sank down fully, cro
**Elena**“I’m sorry about last time,” he said quietly, brushing his thumb across the back of my hand.My breath caught. What did he mean? “Last time…?” I asked.He didn’t let go. Instead, he tightened his grip on my hands, like he was afraid I’d run.“Yes.” His voice was low, deep. “I shouldn’t have reacted like I did. Storming out… yelling… I had no right.”I frowned, swallowing hard. What was he trying to say? “What are you talking…” I started, but he shook his head sharply, cutting me off.“No words. Just listen to me.”I felt my knees wobble, The warmth of his hands was the only thing holding me in place.“Helena.” He spoke slowly, “These few weeks together… they’ve changed everything for me. I didn’t expect to feel like this. To want this.”He drew in a long breath, like saying the words hurt.“I’ve said things I regret. Done things I can’t take back. I’ve hurt you… and I am sorry.”I bit down on my lip. An ache rose in my chest. What was happening? Then he said the thing tha
**Elena**“Come down from there. This instant!” Xavier snapped, voice sharp.Trisha didn’t move. Instead, she swayed on the thin ledge of the rooftop, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. The wind whipped through her long hair, and for a moment, I felt like I was going to be sick. My hands shook, and I pressed them to my chest.What am I supposed to do? My heart was beating too fast. What if she slips? What if this ends badly?I glanced at Xavier. His jaw was clenched tight, But he didn’t move closer."I’ll count to three," he warned, "Come down, Trisha. We can settle this."“Settle this?” She gave a sharp, bitter laugh. “Will you be with me, Xavy baby? Will you stay?” Her voice rose higher, desperate. “Will you choose me? Just this once?”My throat tightened. The sting of tears blurred my vision. Was this really happening?Xavier didn’t flinch. “Trisha, this is dangerous. You’re scaring everyone. Whatever you’re feeling, we can talk it out. Just come down.”Trisha shook her head wil
**Elena**She brought it out slowly. I stared at the brown file in her hands.But before I could take a closer look, the sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway.Voices.Loud and close.I turned sharply to her. “You know what… just keep it for later,” I whispered. “We have to leave. Now.”Ivana nodded, sliding the file quickly back into her jacket. I grabbed her hand and we slipped out of the dressing room, out of Trisha's chambers.Music thumped below us, the party was going lively. Laughter, clinking glasses, the occasional cheer from someone probably a little too tipsy.We moved quickly through the corridor, passing a few distracted guests, heads already spinning with champagne.Once we reached the grand staircase, Ivana slowed her steps, her breath still shallow.“Where’s the present?” I asked, glancing around.“It’s still in your room,” she said. “I’ll go get it.”“No,” I said quickly, shaking my head. “It’s fine. I’ll go.”I didn’t wait for her response. I turned towards the