Vera couldn’t hold back anymore. She threw herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. He wrapped his arms around her gently, his hand soothingly patting her back, as if trying to calm her.
Mira stood motionless, watching the two of them. The scene was a sharp reminder of her place—of the promises now broken and the love now given away. With a quiet, steady breath, she turned and walked away.
Alone, Mira made her way down the street, the soft snow beginning to settle on her cashmere coat. She walked until she found a convenience store, where she bought a bowl of oden, the warm broth comforting her frozen body. The heat of the soup spread through her, but it did little to warm the ache inside.
As she stepped out of the store, she came face to face with Elias and Vera.
Elias' eyes flickered with surprise and embarrassment, but he quickly composed himself. “Mira? Are you working overtime again?”
Before she could respond, he hurriedly added, “I just got back from the neighboring city and happened to run into Vera. It started snowing, so I thought I’d walk her home.”
Mira noticed his wet hair, her gaze sharp. “Why is your hair all wet?” she asked, her eyes subtly shifting to Vera.