MARGARET POV
Carlos had shown me the photos weeks ago.
Elena or Victoria with Brighton. Laughing. Holding hands. Kissing.
I'd cried. Couldn't help it.
"She's living with him now," Carlos said gently. "Moved in about two months ago."
"Living with the man who tortured her."
"Yes."
"How is she surviving this?"
"I don't know. But she is. Has been for over a year."
A year. My Elena had been gone for a year. Playing this role. Living this nightmare.
"We're watching.
I looked at the photos again. At the woman who looked nothing like Elena. Who smiled like she was in love. Who held Brighton's hand like she wanted to.
"Does Damien still..."
"Love her?" Carlos finished. "Yes. Even though she's not the person he remembers. Even though she might never be that person again. Yes."
"That's going to break him."
"It's already breaking him. But he won't give up on her."
"Neither will I."
Carlos squeezed my hand. "I know."
VICTORIA POV
Month Fourteen.
