The Contracted Heart

he Gateway Estate. The apartment still lacked the warmth it needed, and she wanted to pick up a fe

ter closing her shop but she had to

for a while. Natasha had come, perhaps sensing the weight Elena was carrying. She smiled, and although Elena appreciated her friend's presence,

lena said, relieved to

" Natasha replied, then Elena asked about

working. I think he's cheating on me," Natasha sighed, her voice full of frustration and hurt. Elena could see the exhaustion in her friend's eyes.

rriage to Damien deepened. Natasha was so vocal about her suspicions, but Elena couldn't even bring herself to ask

now where he's been?" Natasha aske

s... been busy," Elena replied softly, her mind already drifting to the way Damien had t

Instead, she let out a heavy sigh. "I don't know why I'm still trying, Elena. I'm scar

. Her own fears about Damien and her marriage were too consuming. S

asics, you know?" Elena said, trying to shift the conversation away fr

reassuring smile. "I'll be here

e thought of living in such a bare, impersonal space for much longer. As she made her way toward the

rs approaching. The sound of engines revving suddenly broke through her thoughts, and she quickly stepped to the side, s

ver jumped out, clearly furious. "What were you thinking? You should have

to being in danger. "I'm sorry! I didn't see you coming," she

n his expression changed. He looked at her more closely, recogni

y phone. I never meant to cause any trouble,"

a lady was in their way when he was supposed to be a

shouted. He couldn't see her clearly but promised t