Chapter 563

I gave a faint smile. After enduring such an unhappy marriage, this new chapter of my life seemed almost surreal in its contentment. Willow announced the first act and gracefully exited the stage. As her classmates took turns performing, the auditorium erupted in enthusiastic applause. I found myself clapping along, caught up in the moment. … From her seat nearby, Portia kept a watchful eye on Annalise. She'd been observing Annalise's interactions with Zane, noticing how his affection for her shone through even in the smallest gestures. She felt her heart warmed by the sight. Annalise's previous marriage had been a source of great unhappiness—her mother-in-law bullied her, her husband ignored her, and her son resented her. As a result, she slowly transformed from a vibrant young woman into a withdrawn, quiet adult. Portia had watched this change with a heavy heart, feeling helpless to intervene. In her view, divorce was simply unacceptable. So, Portia could only advise Annalise