The world feels hazy as Alessandra and I step into the mansion, the warm glow of lights and the sound of laughter washing over me like a distant dream. It’s surreal, being back here, surrounded by the trappings of a life that feels like it belongs to someone else now—someone who still had hope, who still believed in happily ever afters. As we approach the front steps, my eyes land on the familiar men—Amado and Miguel—standing guard. From behind them, Frank emerges, making his way to Alessandra’s car to retrieve the shopping bags. He walks past us, his eyes briefly meeting mine as he asks, “Everything okay, ma’am?” I force a smile, the muscles of my face feeling stiff and unnatural. “Everything’s fine, Frank. Thank you.” He nods, but I can see the flicker of doubt in his eyes as we continue our way past Amado and Miguel, into the main entrance hall. Marcel is waiting for us, his dark eyes immediately locking onto me. For a moment, I’m ter
Read more