When Elodie opened the door, she found a staff member from the resort standing in the hallway, dressed in the crisp uniform of the hotel.

The woman greeted her with a friendly smile. “Ms. Thorne, are you satisfied with your room? If you’d like, there are suites with even better views on this floor. Would you like me to help you switch?”

Elodie glanced back at her suite. The resort was top-tier, and the room she’d been given was already one of the best options available.

She shook her head. “No, thank you. This one’s perfect.”

The staff member hesitated, as if there was something more she wanted to say,

but in the end just smiled and nodded. “Of course, Ms. Thorne. If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to call.”

Elodie didn’t give it much thought.

She closed the door and went back to unpacking her clothes.

The celebration dinner tonight wasn’t particularly formal-just a chance for everyone to unwind after a busy stretch. She was grateful for a low-key evening. The past few weeks had been non-stop, and fatigue seemed to cling to her bones.

The resort had every imaginable amenity-indoor pools, spas, even natural hot springs. She’d packed a swimsuit specifically for a bit of downtime, hoping to sneak in a soak or two.

She finished unpacking. It was just after five.

She needed to change before heading over to the main hall.

Ding-

Her phone buzzed twice.

Elodie picked it up and checked the screen.

A message from her grandmother popped up.

[Sweetheart, I visited the new house today. It’s already looking so different! From what I can see, if they keep up the pace, another two or three months and it should be finished.]

Attached were several photos.

Even without opening them fully, Elodie could tell they were panoramic shots of the living room on the first floor. The transformation was drastic-almost unrecognizable.

The place was still in the midst of structural work. Judging by the style of the renovations, it was a complete overhaul-nothing left of what she had once painstakingly designed.

She’d known Jarrod had gutted the house after the split, but seeing the photos made it real: he hadn’t kept a single trace of her touch. The five-story home had been scrubbed of everything she’d left behind, as if those years had been unbearable for him.

Elodie didn’t open the photos any wider.

Her feelings were hard to pin down-maybe a bit of irony. Three years spent building that home, every detail, every vase or lamp, chosen with hope for a new life. Now, watching her efforts reduced to rubble, it was impossible not to feel something.

She finally replied: [Looks good.]

A few moments later, her grandmother sent more pictures.

[Sweetheart, is this yours?]

The photo showed a lipstick.

Elodie recognized the brand and shade instantly-definitely not hers. Someone else had left it behind.

Its location? The so-called “nursery”-the room that was supposed to have been for a child.

The nursery was taking shape now, with thoughtful, modern touches.

This time, Elodie felt nothing at all. She simply replied, [Just leave it there,] without explanation, then slipped out the door.

She took the elevator down.

The main hall for the celebration dinner was in another building; she’d need to catch a shuttle over.

While she waited outside, she heard a man’s voice behind her. “Ms. Thorne.” She turned to see Joseph approaching.

Elodie nodded politely. After a moment’s thought, she added, “You’re here for the party too?”

Joseph gave a small smile. “Yeah, thought I’d join in and have some fun.” Elodie just nodded again.

Joseph was friends with Jarrod and the others-it wasn’t surprising he’d come along.