Sebastian sat beside Beatrice on the couch, one hand resting on her shoulder, trying to offer comfort in the heavy silence filling the room.
On the large television screen before them, numbers flashed, marking the progress of the election results. Every eye in the room was fixed on the display, frozen with anticipation.
Beatrice’s face was pale, her jaw tightened as she watched the results coming in. For most of the broadcast, her opponent led the race, his numbers climbing while hers lagged behind.
“It’s just the early units, Mom,” Sebastian murmured, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “There’s still time.”
Beatrice nodded swiftly, her heart racing as her manicured fingers clenched the fabric of her dress. She felt a pang of disappointment already settling in, though she forc
