Elena's POV
The click of the lock echoed in the quiet hallway as I pushed open the heavy front door. The cool air embracing me as I let out a long, shaky breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. My apartment, bless its silent, welcoming walls, finally felt like a sanctuary. I kicked off my heels, each one landing with a soft thud on the plush rug, and peeled off the diamond necklace that felt too heavy around my throat. The emerald earrings followed, then the delicate bracelet, all placed carefully on the antique side table by the door.
“Elena? You’re back,” Yvon’s voice drifted from the living room, a soft inquiry cutting through the stillness. She appeared in the archway, a silk robe wrapped around her, a worried frown creasing her forehead.
“Are you alright? I mean, after everyth
