The two returned to the main hall and were led to a line, where they waited to be ushered into the dining room. Seats at the table were assigned. No one minded sitting in the last seat; after all, it was an honor to sit at a Walker’s table.Just like the immense ballroom, the dining room exuded luxury. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting sparkles over a long, imposing table set for one hundred and twenty guests.It was richly adorned with an embroidered white tablecloth, silver cutlery, fine china, crystal glasses, and delicate arrangements of yellow flowers, creating an atmosphere of calculated ostentation.Elizabeth and Adam waited their turn. When she gave her name, she was not led to the head of the table, where John sat alongside Oliver and his daughters with their respective families. Instead, she was led to the opposite side of the table, and her heart nearly stopped when she realized that the stunning blonde was seated next to John.She felt the eyes tur

ElizabethAt the mansion, Elizabeth spent the day alone, wandering around the house looking for something to do. She was already getting used to John’s absence, or at least she was trying to. She had created her own routine, in addition to daily Mass and her volunteer work. She started going to the mansion’s gym to stay in shape and keep her mind occupied. She strolled through the gardens, helping Oscar tend to the plants and flowers. On her walks, she would gaze at a grove of trees behind the house’s walls and a gate. Oscar had told her that there was a trail there leading to a small plateau that offered a beautiful view of the region. One day she asked Oscar to take her there; he readily agreed. The trail was good, and the climb wasn’t too difficult. Upon reaching the plateau, she was struck by the view: the city and the mountains stretched as far as the eye could see. That trail became part of her walks, and after some time she began going alone to feel the peace of that place,

ElizabethElizabeth was trying to process what had just happened, her hands trembling as she held her unbuttoned dress. Her chest heaved, her heart beating so fast it hurt.When she reached her small room, she realized she was crying. Hot, silent tears streamed down her face in a disorderly flow.She squeezed her eyes shut tightly, trying to push away the memory of John on top of her, his firm hand holding her, running over her body, his eyes burning with desire and… something else. Something that frightened her and, in a strange way, also set her ablaze.Her body was still trembling. His hands… his breath… the heat… It was as if he were still there, imprinted on her. His scent, his presence… everything seemed to have left a mark on her skin.“What’s happening to me…?” she whispered to herself.She looked at herself in the mirror on the wall; her eyes had a different, feverish gleam. Her hair was tousled, her neck exposed by the open buttons, her pale, flushed skin reminding her of th

JohnThe phone on Anne’s desk rang, and she quickly answered it. Every morning, she and everyone in the president’s office waited for that call.“He’s here,” the receptionist on the ground floor announced.The news that Mr. Walker had arrived spread quickly, and everyone settled back at their desks, watching the elevator door. A few minutes later, the door opened, and everyone seemed focused on their workstations. John stepped out of the elevator with an even more stern expression than usual. He walked through the entire floor without looking at anyone, ignoring the “good mornings” with a curt silence and a slight nod. He walked straight through the anteroom, where his secretary was waiting for him, standing next to Bruce, who was stationed by the door of the imposing office. He knew the receptionist downstairs had already announced his arrival; in the past, she had found him interesting, to say the least, but today…“Good morning, Mr. Walker,” said Anne, forcing a smile that, over

John John was away for over a month. Wandering from company to company, looking for flaws, seeking improvements, optimizing processes, and pursuing more lucrative partnerships. His arrival disrupted the entire routine. The employees became tense, the managers anxious, and the flattery excessive.Bruce, always by her side, knew that trip wasn’t really necessary; the companies were doing well. The goals were being met, and some had even been exceeded.During this time, no calls, no messages, no contact between them. John and Elizabeth maintained a silence between them. He out of pride, and she out of fear of being further despised.When he finally returned, he found Elizabeth looking less radiant; her eyes no longer had the sparkle they once did; little by little, they were fading.John noticed. He felt that he was causing that cheerful young woman with her easy, sweet smile to wither away. After all, that was what he wanted; it had been his true purpose even before the wedding.But