That night, the amusement park sparkled like a galaxy of neon stars. Children ran past laughing, couples held hands under soft golden lights, and the scent of popcorn lingered in the air.
Ainsley reached for Eloise’s hand, lacing their fingers together tightly. They boarded the Ferris wheel and ascended into the night.
The city lights stretched below them, endless and beautiful. Ainsley looked at the stars and said, “I wish for Eloise to have a happy life.”
Eloise turned to him. “That’s a sweet wish.”
“I mean it.” He gazed at her. “No matter what happens.”
Her throat tightened. She looked away, hiding the pain in her eyes.
*******
The sun was barely up when Eloise stepped into the underground parking lot of the Anthony Group building. The air was cold, filled with the smell of gasol
