Chapter 4

By the time I left work, all my personal belongings had been handled.

The elevator descended, a gentle sense of weightlessness enveloping my body.

Once upon a time, in this very elevator, he had pressed me against the mirrored wall, kissing me passionately, saying,

"Elara, what incredible fortune in this life and the last did I cultivate to marry you."

His eyes were so bright back then.

Bright enough to seem like he truly believed his own lies.

I had arranged to say goodbye to a local friend.

The restaurant was by the river.

Not long after I sat down,…