Elias hadn't opened the blinds in two days.
The curtains stayed half-drawn, filtering the city light into soft gray streaks that painted the hotel room in quiet shadows. The television was on, muted. The tray of untouched breakfast had gone cold on the table.
He sat on the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees, phone in hand. He hadn't moved in a while.
The screen glowed faintly. It was the same headline. He'd seen it first by accident. But once he did, he couldn't look away.
It hurt so bad he had to swallow repeatedly.
"Author Amara Charlie and business magnate/author Travis Alden tie the knot in private courthouse ceremony."
He read it again. Then again. His eyes didn't even move anymore. They just lingered on the names.
Two days had gone by.
It had been exactly two days since she got married.
