Elena’s POV: My fingers trembled as I read the words on the piece of paper, my vision blurring with unshed tears. ‘How…’ I tried to speak, but the lump in my throat tightened, and before I could stop them, the tears spilled down my cheeks. Rachael placed a comforting hand on my back, “It came yesterday… but I couldn’t bring myself to tell you. I knew you’d find out eventually, but I couldn’t keep it from you forever.” Another wave of anguish crashed over me. My chest tightened as I choked out broken words. “So… so he… he— I don’t— I thought…” My voice shattered, just like the fragile hope I had clung to. Rachael exhaled deeply. “What did you expect, Elena? She’s his wife. It was bound to happen sooner or later.” I squeezed my eyes shut as fresh tears rolled down. What was

