Chapter 16.
Elara sat in the large living room of Vale's mansion, her heart beating irregularly. Evelyn stood by the window, staring out as if searching for something in the darkness of the night. Silence crept through the air, broken only by the ticking of an antique clock, which seemed to be slowing down.
"I know you're waiting for an explanation," Evelyn's voice finally sounded, soft but firm. She turned her head, her gaze piercing, even though there was a shadow of exhaustion there. "You have a right to know."
Elara held her breath. "About what, Mrs. Vale? About... my husband? Or about the man you let stand at the altar in his place?"
Evelyn took a deep breath, then walked slowly to the chair in front of Elara. Her neatly manicured fingers trembled slightly as she cupped her hands
