Bitter Wine, Sweet Kiss

ineyard, once a haven of solitude, now held

en blouse and red lipstick like armor. The baby, perhaps ten months ol

d coolly. "You weren't

a man headed for executio

etween them. "D

ut warmth. "I see y

voice cracking like dry w

e was answ

ath shallow, her chest tigh

r... after I left. I was a mess. I met Sophia in M

Elena snapped.

He pays child support, visits on holidays. I wasn't expec

soft coo, a cruel e

"Did you come back because you missed m

swear to you, Elena, I didn't plan this. Coming back to yo

man who once made her feel invincible - n

she whispered. "I thought ma

he pleaded. "Not

she said. "Ev

d. "I'll wai

klace, babbling nonsense. El

na looked Marco in the eye

"Yes. I do. But I'm not in love with Sophia. I

, swallowing the

aid, stepping aside. "And

ned against it, tears finally breaking free.

the sun r

er heart

and grief... she wasn't sure if