estate. This time, when Elliana walked through the massive, carved oak doors, s

rp-suited lawyers were already waiting, a thick stack o

osure agreement, swearing her to absolute, legally binding secrecy

tioned was just the baseline; it would increase by a staggering set amount for every year they remained married. The terms were clinical but clear: she was expected to fulfill the role of a supportive, dig

a golden parachute, woven w

hours it would take to afford a watch for a man who despised her. She had been terrified of her mother's threats, terrified of being thrown onto the street. Now, with a single stroke of a p

is?" she asked, her voice sounding sma

power of attorney in this matter," the older lawyer expla

ggressive, sharp, and deeply indented into the paper. It didn't look like the ha

before she steadied it, signing her name-Elliana Castillo-for the very last time. The

all," Hayes said, a rare hint of r

heavy, glittering costume

was a breathtaking, spacious suite decorated in soft creams and deep blues. But as Elliana

ranging from casual cashmere loungewear to breathtaking evening gowns. Th

researched her; they had dissected her life. It was a quie

's suite is through that connecting door." He gestured to a heavy, intricately carved oak do

eft, closing the hallwa

She didn't know what she should do next; everything happened

she he

heavy wood of the connecting d

with a raw, desperate energy. The music flowed like a storm-sometimes violently ang

rpet and stood before the oak door. She pressed her ear a

weak. The music was saturated with a fierce, undeniable strength that defied any illness.

er ran down her spine. The melo

e I heard this before? A dimly lit room? A fleeting moment from years ago? The harder she tried to gr

e man trapped on the o

ley, her fear and apprehension evaporated. They were e