The sudden mention of the past hit Beverly like a dagger to the chest.
Back then, Elroy had been a penniless young man until the Bellone family claimed him. Overnight, he transformed into a dazzling aristocrat, his life swallowed up by press conferences, glamorous balls, and a parade of matchmaking offers from noble families.
Elroy had ascended to the upper echelons, and Beverly often felt like she couldn't hold on to him anymore.
Their once inseparable relationship had dwindled to fleeting moments twice a week. Sometimes it was a hurried encounter in his car as he rushed to another engagement; other times, he'd arrive at her cramped apartment in the dead of night, reeking of alcohol. Then, he'd quickly shower and fall asleep beside her.
But by morning, he'd always be gone.
Even so, h
