Chapter 47

Without waiting, she turned and ran up the stairs to the second floor, leaving Nathan standing alone in the living room.

Nathan let out a long breath, closing his eyes for a moment. Then he turned his head toward the sofa, then toward the stairs, as if he wanted to follow her but hesitated.

Nathan knew Elena needed time. And this time, he would give it to her—even if it meant waiting longer.

Upstairs, Elena stood in front of her bedroom mirror. Her eyes were red, her chest rising and falling irregularly.

“What did I do...” she whispered, her fingers touching her neck, still warm from Nathan’s kisses. “I almost lost control...”

She sat on the edge of the bed, hugging her knees.

***

This morning, the sky was clear, and the sun not too high. Elena put the light blue kindergarten uniform on Alva’s enthusiastic little body. The child jumped up and down, hugging his favorite dinosaur backpack.

“Today you’re going to a new school, dear. You h