Elena stepped out of the car slowly, her mind still spinning from what Alex had told her.
Her heart felt bruised, her eyes hot from holding back another storm of tears.
She pressed a hand to her stomach, trying to calm the small fear rising inside her.
The mansion lights glowed against the dark sky, cold and distant—just like him.
She took a shaky breath and walked toward the door.
The moment she entered, the scent of rich wine and expensive perfume hit her.
She froze.
Maria and Isabel were in the living room, drinking together, laughing softly…
as if they owned the place.
Isabel's smile dropped immediately when she saw Elena step in.
But before anyone spoke, Elena heard footsteps upstairs—slow, heavy, familiar.
Her heart jumped.
Damian was coming down the stairs.
Her breath caught.
She didn't know why, but she hoped… maybe he would look at her.
Maybe he would ask where she'd been.
Maybe he would just see her.
He reached the bottom of the stairs.
