The laughter and clinking of glasses filled the living room as everyone admired the beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The warm glow of the lights reflected in the eyes of the gathered friends, their smiles radiating holiday cheer. Elena, however, felt the walls closing in on her. The sight of Lucy leaning against Adam, her laughter ringing out, was more than she could bear.
Quietly, she placed her empty glass on a side table and slipped away, unnoticed—or so she thought.
Adam’s gaze followed her retreating figure. His chest tightened, and without a word, he excused himself from the group. Lucy’s voice called after him, but he didn’t respond, his feet already carrying him in the direction Elena had gone.
Elena pushed open the door to her bedroom, her sanctuary for the night, and clos
