The Last Ember

Synopsis

Today marks their third wedding anniversary. Elara Vance was full of anticipation. She had booked the restaurant a week in advance and asked Cassian to clear his schedule so they could celebrate together. She had chosen the restaurant with care, picked out her outfit meticulously, and perfected her makeup. Now she sat by the window, gazing out with hope, waiting for the man she had poured every ounce of her love into. Time crept by in the waiting. At 5:15 p.m., her phone chimed. She picked it up. A text from him: "Running late." Three words, not even a period at the end. Elara stared at those three words for a few seconds, then typed back: Okay. At 5:40, she sent another message: Where are you? No reply. At 6:30, he finally texted again: Something came up. Eat without me. Elara clutched her phone, staring at the message for a long time. She didn't ask what had come up. She already knew. There was only one person who could make him neglect her on a day this important—Liora Blackwood, the woman who had been wedged between her and Cassian from the moment she appeared.