“No,” Elodie whispered, her voice shaky as she reached for Williams’s arm. “This is my fight, Williams. I have to face it on my own.” He tried to speak, but she pressed on. “It’s what I’m living for. Reclaiming what was stolen, clearing the ruins of my life. That’s how I heal.” Her voice cracked. “I’m sorry for the pain I caused you. For making you hate me. I...” “Shhh...” Williams cupped her face, his thumbs gently brushing her damp cheeks. “I’m the one who should be sorry.” His eyes searched hers. “I gave up on you, Elodie. I should’ve fought harder. I should’ve trusted your heart—even when you said those cruel things. I should’ve known it wasn’t you.” Elodie’s lips quivered. Her voice was barely audible. “It’s not your fault...” A tear slipped down her face, and Williams wiped it away with the back of his knuckle. “Elodie,” he breathed. “I love you.” She blinked. “I love you just as much as I did before,” he whispered, “if not more.” She shook her head slowly, a
Elodie sat on the edge of her bed, trembling. Tears streamed down her face again, softer this time, but just as heavy. Her voice was hoarse, fragile from all the weight it carried. “After the wedding,” she began, “I kept taking the medication like they told me to. Every morning, every night. Bitter pills that I didn't realize made me sick and weak. I was waiting to die.” She shook her head slowly, eyes lost in the past. “Bryce never noticed. He was too wrapped up in his world of women, parties, business trips that were never really business. He didn’t want the marriage either. His father forced him into it. He thought marrying me, a CEO, would keep Bryce grounded. Make him a man. But I couldn’t care less about helping him become anything.” She paused, breath catching. “I prepared a power of attorney… gave everything to my uncle. My company, my assets, even my clothes—everything would go to him if I died. I just… waited. There were nights I missed you so badly I thought I’d
Elodie’s back hit the wall as their lips met again—desperate, searching, full of everything they’d kept hidden for years. As they got into the house, Williams shut the door behind him with his foot, never breaking the kiss. His hands roamed over her back, her waist, pulling her closer until their bodies were flush. She clung to him, her fingers buried in his shirt, her chest rising and falling with each breath. Their kisses were urgent—an ache they had both buried too long. The heat between them swirled and swelled, fueled by years of heartbreak, longing, and unfinished sentences. His lips moved down to her neck as her fingers tugged gently at the hem of his shirt. She gasped softly as he lifted her slightly, carrying her toward the bedroom before setting her down again. His hands reached for the straps of her dress, but then.... He began to have flashes. Elodie in a white wedding gown. Him on his knees in front of her. The ring—thrown at him. “Get lost.” Williams
Elodie couldn’t concentrate. Her eyes flicked to the clock on her wall for what felt like the hundredth time. It was only 5:42 p.m., yet it felt like the day would never end. Her fingers hovered over her keyboard, unmoving. Work had long faded from her mind. All she could think about was the dinner. Eight p.m. Williams. The thought sent a current of electricity through her. Meanwhile, across town, Williams lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. He’d told himself he would nap—but his eyes had remained wide open. Every few minutes, he turned his head to check the time on his phone. 5:47. He muttered under his breath and sat up. By six, Elodie had left the office. She stopped by a boutique, browsing through racks of dresses until she found the one that felt just right—a deep emerald green satin dress, soft and body-skimming, with a low back and delicate straps that kissed her shoulders. She picked a new perfume too—light, floral, with just enough warmth to linger. From there,
Elodie walked into the company’s building with quiet purpose. Her heels clicked against the floor, her white jumpsuit crisp, her red stilettos firm beneath her. She passed the familiar hallway with the old shared office and was finally led into her new workspace—a room of her own. The moment she stepped inside, her eyes lit up. It was spacious, filled with natural light streaming through tall glass windows. A modern desk sat at the center, sleek and organized. A velvet couch adorned one corner, beside a bookshelf lined with company portfolios. The air smelled of fresh paint and new beginnings. She exhaled. It felt like progress. Across the hallway, Mandy leaned against the wall with a knowing smirk, watching Elodie settle in. She strutted forward, flipping her hair back as she walked, the expensive necklace from yesterday dancing on her chest like a trophy. “Nice little office,” she said, her voice sweet and venomous. Then she yawned. “Oh, I'm so exhausted. My fiance Wil
The soft beeping of a monitor was the first sound Williams heard as his eyes fluttered open. The sterile scent of antiseptic lingered in the air, and the muted hum of distant voices told him where he was—the hospital. His head throbbed dully, and his body felt heavier than usual. He blinked against the brightness of the room and shifted his gaze around. Then he saw her. Elodie. She was asleep on a chair beside his bed, her body curled slightly as she leaned against the wall. Her face, even in slumber, was so breathtakingly peaceful that he forgot to breathe for a moment. The soft pink nightgown she wore clung gently to her frame, modest but elegant, and over it, he recognized—his jacket. Draped over her shoulders like a shield. As though it still meant something. He smiled as he realized she must have taken off his jacket and covered herself with it. The pendant—his ring—rested just above her chest, still shining faintly in the light. His eyes lingered on her. How was i