The night air was quiet—too quiet—as Leonardo’s car pulled through the gates of the Gold estate.
The headlights cut across the familiar driveway. Elena sat beside him, silent, her hands trembling lightly in her lap. Blood stained her once-cream blouse, now brown and dry, the metallic scent lingering like a memory that wouldn’t leave.
Leonardo parked and stepped out, rounding the car to open her door. She didn’t move at first, only blinked at him with teary eyes. Then slowly, she slid out, and he placed a protective hand on her lower back as they walked inside.
The warmth of the mansion felt foreign. Hollow. As if even the walls were also mourning.
They ascended the stairs and stepped into their room. The moment the door closed behind them, Elena’s eyes brimmed with tears again.
“I do
