The morning came with a golden glow streaming through the windows, illuminating the festive decorations in the house. Elena woke up groggy, her head pounding faintly but less intensely than the night before. She stayed in bed for a moment, staring at the ceiling, replaying the previous evening’s dinner and Adam’s lingering gaze.
Her mind wandered to the ice-skating event. She wasn’t keen on going, especially with the weight of her illness and her aversion to the idea of Adam being paired with some “beautiful lady” Steve had lined up. Yet, a part of her—a small, insistent voice—wondered if she was avoiding it out of fear.
A knock at her door startled her. “Elena?” It was Grace, her mother.
“Come in,” Elena called, sitting up and brushing her hair back.
Grace entered, carrying a cup of t
