The Contracted Heart

ced at the clock. "I thought you'd be ready by now. It's almost time, and

movements were swift but lacked enthusiasm, as if she were only going throu

ith no particular urgency. But it wasn't just Elena's sluggis

hair, usually kept neatly tied back in a simple braid, remained unstyled, with loose strands falling carelessly around her face. She had made no eff

ent a day ago. I imagined you'd at least try to dress up a little, but you look exactly the same

dy married, Natasha. None of that interests me. I'm only going because I promised you as a friend. But if y

ere with me. Look, I'm not going there to find a man either. This event is for the country's high society, and let's be real-I doubt any of th

ling in resignation. "Alright. Just give me

tled in her chest-one she couldn't quite name. But there was no time to dwell on it. She rushed out and slid into the t

ing establishment in the country. A place whispered about in awe, where billionaires,

up, Elena's breath

ate carvings glinting under the cascading illumination of street lamps. Every detail, from the gold-engraved double doors to the marble lion statues guarding the steps, exuded wealth an

had never seen anyt

tugging lightly at Elena's wrist when

s just... taken aback by the beauty of this place. I never would have

told you, didn't I? You're going to enjoy

ern-faced security guard stepped forward, h

he said, his tone f

on. The guard inspected it briefly, then no

e quick process. But the moment she moved, th

k," he sa

in confusion

ust take a look at yourself-then look at where you are. Do you really think someone like you should be here? Look around. Ev

sharp and unrelenting. A slow, simmering humiliation crept up h

had an i

st because some arrogant gua

hind her. Turning back, she took one look at

like a shield. "Why are you harassing my friend? The only thing you need to check i

t's obvious she doesn't belong here. We don't need an invitation to tell us

ow many times had she heard words like these before? That sh

idiculous! She has an invitation just

ed unmoved, their jud

e to call for hel

unt. She'll take care of this," Natas

-the guards weren't worried, weren't even concerned. In the

hat the inv