Fragments of a Broken Woman

CHAPTER 2

He was… dangerously attractive.

“Darling,” my father said, “I wanted to introduce you to the Hall children: Elliot and Elijah, and their father, Mr. Emmet.”

I greeted them politely, offering my best smile. I tried to be courteous, but quickly moved to join my friends waiting near the dessert table.

As I walked away, I barely heard:

“You’re right, Caleb… she’s beautiful. A worthy representative of your family.”

I took it as another compliment. I was used to it at events like that.

After a while, the heat became stifling, so I stepped out onto the terrace to catch some air while my friends continued dancing.

That night… I truly felt lucky.

Safe, inside my little glass bubble.

“Bored of the noise inside… or do you enjoy solitude?”

I turned immediately.

Elliot.

“Just needed a moment to cool off.”

“You don’t enjoy the dance like your friends?”

“Yes… it’s just hard to move after so much sugar.”

We both laughed.

He studied me for a moment before saying:

“You still have that smile… and those eyes that seem to hold too much happiness.”

I tilted my head, looking at him in confusion.

“Have we met before?”

“Forgive the question,” he added, “I don’t mean to be rude… but I have the feeling we have. Though I believe it was only this afternoon when my father introduced us.”

Elliot looked at me with something I couldn’t read.

“Yes… a few years ago, when you spent your summers in Silveridge.”

I tried to remember—really, I tried—but my mind was blank.

“I’m sorry,” I murmured. “I’m not good with memory. I don’t know why, but much of my childhood is vague… or fragmented. I really never paid much attention.”

And it wasn’t a lie.

For some reason, my early years were a void. Loose fragments, incomplete images… nothing solid. My memories only began around the age of ten. By then, my grandparents had died, and my parents had stopped visiting the old estate.

Perhaps for lack of time.

Or maybe… because it hurt too much.

Elliot sighed deeply and offered me a forced smile.

“Well, Miss Sophie Gallagher… it’s a shame you no longer have those memories.”

But in his eyes, there was something else.

Disappointment… or perhaps something worse.

Before I could ask, my brother appeared at the terrace door.

“Sophie, finally. I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Mom and Dad say it’s time to go home.”

I turned to Elliot, giving a smile tinged with apology.

“Well… I have to go. Duty calls.”

I waved goodbye and began to walk away.

But just before crossing the doorway, I couldn’t help but feel his gaze on my back.

As if he remembered something…

that I should never forget.