The morning sun streamed through the expansive windows of the new lodge, but for Aria, the light felt like a spotlight on her misery.
She stood by the sideboard, her fingers trembling as she polished silver trays she had no business touching.
Across the room, nestled on plush furs, Elena sat with Sarah.
The two were hunched together, their laughter ringing out like a discordant melody that grated against Aria’s nerves.
“He was so gentle, Sarah,” Elena said, her voice a theatrical whisper that carried easily to where Aria stood.
She paused to sip her tea, a smug, cat-like grin spreading across her face.
“The way he looked at me before he kissed me... I thought I would melt.
He was so careful, as if he were holding something precious.”
Sarah leaned in, her eyes wide with a mix o
