Annabelle Linton's lips twisted into a self-mocking smile. She took the photo out of its frame and slipped it into her pocket.
She placed the key on the living room coffee table. Her gaze swept calmly over every corner of the villa. After taking a breath, she turned and closed the door.
A new life awaited her, starting today.
'Annabelle Linton, you can do this. You have to build your own happiness.'
Standing on the villa's steps, she took out the photograph.
She carefully studied the image of herself on it.
It had been taken a long time ago.
Back then, she had been so full of life—brimming with hopes and dreams for the future, so optimistic.
But then everything changed. This photo felt like the only proof that she had ever known such happiness.
Annabelle Linton's lips curled up. With resolute finality, she tore the photo in half. Then she folded it and tore it again, folded it again, and tore it again…
