From Drowning To A New Life

ry, I wasn't arranging flower

ized accessory, but the antique watch on

-proof that his heart belonged

ocean, letting the worl

" finding peace in a small coast

s a way of claw

y pottery studio with a weapon, screa

took the blow to

n the door

n, staring at his "late"

ng, begging to destroy his

e worshipped and felt not

you pretended t

man neve

pte

Cran

death. The thought solidified in my mind, cold and clear,

ould become a ghost in the li

ambition filled the air. Graham. He moved through our sprawling

is eyes, usually sharp and calculating, softened slightly as they landed on

miliar gesture, one that once promised love but now felt

ed, his voice a low rumble. "You l

g some new designs, but nothing felt quite right." I

stic wife. Always striving for perfection." He kissed

s tone held a hint of concern, but it was the kind of c

w," I said, a truth wrapped

"Ah, yes. And I have something truly special planned for you, my love. S

naive jewelry designer captivated by his charisma and the promise of a dazzling future. Everyone had loved him. My parent

res. I saw him as my soulmate, the one who would

pretty face on his arm, the elegant hostess for his endless professional dinners. My art, my passion,

ck, "there's a gala tonight. Industry event. Elia

enched. Elia.

am," I said, my voice f

erself. The structural integrity, the aesthetic-it's truly

self for th

"it might be best if you s

h hitche

oing to be a lot of technical talk, you know? Architects, engineers. You'd be bored to t

my passion, had been dismissed. My presence was a d

k. Graham had laughed, gently, of course. "Darling, why bother with all that fuss? You have all the time in the world to create in your private studi

expose the superficiality of our marriage to his peers. He didn't want my talen

you worry your pretty head. Tomorrow, it's all about you.

ise too," I said, my voice soft. "For my birthday, I want to take the yacht out. J

ightly. "A solo trip

venture. A chance to gather my thoughts, to be inspire

"Of course, my love. Anything for you. A little solitud

id, the lie rolli

? I told you it was a rough day. Let'

he saw in my eyes, the convenient silence I offered. He loved the

careful not to disturb Graham's even breathing. The house was silent, save for the distant hum of the

ys wore it, claiming it was his late father's, a cherished heirloom. He called it his