Days passed by, my health deteriorating with each one.

Charles never sought me out again.

I flipped through the calendar, calculating the little time I had left until I received a message from Tiffany.

She invited me to her birthday party, adding at the end, "Irene, Brother Charles is worried about you. This could be a good opportunity to mend your relationship."

Her feigned innocence was always impeccable.

I glanced at the calendar and decided to go.

In the glittering hall, well-dressed people mingled, the clinking of champagnes mingling with the din of conversation, creating a lively atmosphere. Having been alone for so long, I found myself overwhelmed by the...