Chapter 35

By the time they pulled back into Imperial Crest Residences, it was already past four in the afternoon. The black Mercedes business van rumbled over the thick snow and came to a stop in front of the main house. As the car door opened, Ms. Woods helped Elaria out. She clearly wanted to stay and take care of her, but Elaria gently refused. Standing on the steps, Elaria looked up at the snow drifting down and murmured quietly, "Loving a man... never ends well." Ms. Woods didn't quite catch that and was about to ask, but Elaria had already started climbing the steps. Even though her whole body was shivering and she felt like every step was a struggle, she kept her back straight - refusing to show weakness in front of anyone. Even though Sebastian had already stripped her of every last ounce of pride. A servant came over, trying to support her, but Elaria lightly brushed the hand away. "I'll walk myself," she said. The servant's eyes welled up. "Ma'am... what's wrong? Are you okay?" Elaria