BRENDA

I was furious and wounded by Elliot’s public rejection. I thought he was truly leaving me for a new lover.

That story about wanting to be with his wife—I didn’t buy it. And yet, here he was, using her as an excuse once again in front of everyone.

I watched him walk away in a hurry, and soon enough, I had that idiot Thesio trailing behind me. What an insufferable, overbearing man!

He brought me boxes of gifts—the shine of the jewels did dazzle me for a second.

Thesio wasn’t an ugly man; h