Elena's Pov
For the first time since my parents’ deaths, I just want to be left alone. Left to grieve in silence, without expectations, without interruptions. Today, after the funeral, I plan to set things straight with Sergei. Then, if I’m lucky, I’ll finally be allowed to retreat into solitude—a sanctuary of my own making. A convent of one.
I have no desire to remarry or even to stay tied to this world anymore. If I could disappear entirely, fade into nothingness, I think I would. This life has taken so much from me already—more than anyone should bear. My parents. My peace. My freedom.
“Are you alright?” Kathy’s voice cuts through my thoughts, soft with sympathy as she steps into the room. “I know, that’s a loaded question,” she adds quickly, her lips curving in a small, understandi
