"I'm such a loser... I can't even pick up the knife..." Elias' body tensed at the words. "Vera, put the knife down! I’ll come to you now. Wait for me."
He quickly turned the car around and sped toward her place. Moments later, the car screeched to a halt outside a residential building. Elias hurriedly got out and glanced at Mira. "I’ll be back soon."
Mira felt a sharp pang in her chest. Her nails dug into her palm, but she said nothing. Her eyes felt hollow, distant.
Half an hour later, Elias emerged from the building, followed by Vera—her long black hair damp, eyes red from crying. The two of them walked toward the car together.
"This is my wife, Mira," Elias introduced, his voice casual. "You can treat her as your sister.’"
Vera hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly. "Hello, sis. My name is Vera." Her voice trembled. "I’m sorry to disturb you on your wedding anniversary..."
As she spoke, she started to back away, but Elias reached out to stop her. "It’s okay," he said, holding her hand firmly. "You’re staying with us today. Don’t go anywhere."
He pushed her gently but firmly into the back seat. Vera shrank under his touch, obediently settling in, not daring to argue.