**Elena’s POV**
As I stepped out of the building, my whole body went numb.
My feet hit the sidewalk, but I couldn't feel the ground. It was like I was floating in the air. Everything went numb — my hands, my face, my heart. Then reality hit me like a train on high speed, a brutal, dizzying wave of pain that stole the air from my lungs.
I stumbled toward my car. My chest pounded so hard I thought my ribs would snap. I felt like I was about to collapse right there on the pavement, where anyone could watch me crumble.
I walked slowly until I reached the car and slid into the driver’s seat, slamming the door shut behind me, hoping it would block out Lucia’s voice.
It didn't work. Her words were already inside me, crawling under my skin like insects.
He doesn't love you. He only married y
