CHAPTER TWELVE – What Happens in the Shadows?
In the changing room, Laura slipped Into a plush robe, her movements mechanical, She caught sight of herself in the mirror and barely recognized the woman staring back. Dark circles shadowed her eyes, and her usually vibrant auburn hair hung limp around her face.
“Ready?” Jen asked, appearing beside her.
Laura nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
The massage room was dimly lit, soft music playing in the background. As Laura lay lace–down on the table, she felt exposed, vulnerable.
“Just relax,” the masseuse murmured, her hands warm and strong as they began to work the knots out of Laura’s shoulders
At first, Laura remained tense, her mind still racing. But as the massage continued, she felt herself begin to unwind. The masseuse’s skilled fingers worked out months of stress and worry, and Laura found herself drifting, her thoughts becoming hazy and unfocused
“How!
ware you feeling?” Jen asked as they moved to the facial room.
Laura considered the question “A little… lighter, I guess? I didn’t realize how much tension I was carrying”
Jen smiled encouragingly. “That’s great! See? I told you this would help
As they settled into the plush facial chairs, Laura felt a flicker of guilt. “Jen, this must be costing a fortune. You don’t have to do all this
for me.”
Jen waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t even think about it. You’re my sister, and you’re going through hell. Let me do this for you.”
The esthetician began applying a cool, fragrant mask to Laura’s face. “This will help reduce puffiness and refresh your skin,” she explained. “Just close your eyes and relax.”
As Laura lay there, the mask tingling on her skin, she found her mind wandering to Ryan. She remembered the warmth of his smile, the gentleness of his touch. For a moment, she allowed herself to imagine a different life, one where she had never married Leon, where she and Ryan had reconnected years ago.
“Stop it,” she chided herself silently. Fantasy wouldn’t solve her problems.
“All done,” the esthetician announced, gently removing the mask. “How does that feel?”
Laura blinked, surprised to find that her skin did indeed feel refreshed. “It’s nice,” she admitted.
Jen beamed at her. “You look great! Now, how about a mani–pedi to finish things off?”
Laura found herself nodding, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Why not?”
As they sat side by side, their feet soaking in warm, bubbling water, Jen turned to Laura. “So, have you thought about what you want to do next?
Laura sighed, the momentary peace slipping away. “Not really. It all still feels so… unreal.‘
Jen nodded sympathetically. “I get that. But you know you can stay with me as long as you need, right? We’ll figure this out together.”
“Thanks, Jen,” Laura said softly. “I don’t know what I’d do without you‘
“Hey, that’s what sisters are for,” Jen replied, bumping Laura’s shoulder gently. “And for what it’s worth, I think you’re handling this amazingly well You’re stronger than you know.”
Laura felt tears prick at her eyes, but for the first time in days, they weren’t tears of despair. “I love you, sis.”
“Love you too,” Jen said, squeezing Laura’s hand. “Now, let’s pick out some kickass nail colors. You need something bold and fierce.”
As the nail technicians worked their magic, Laura found herself actually enjoying the process of choosing colors and designs. It was a small thing, but it felt good to make decisions, to have control over something in her lite, even if it was just the shade of her nail polish.
By the time they left the spa, Laura felt… not happy, exactly, but calmer, The crushing weight of betrayal and loss still pressed on ber chest, but it felt a little more manageable.
“Ready for phase two? Jen asked as they climbed back into the car.
Laura raised an eyebrow. “There’s a phase two?”
Jen grinned. “Of course! We’re going shopping.”
Before Laura could protest, they were pulling up in front of a row of boutiques Jen practically dragged her into the first store, a trend
CHAPTER TWELVE–What Happens in the Shadows?
little place with racks of colorful dresses and accessories.
“Come on,” Jen urged, rifling through a rack of dresses. “You need something that’ll make you feel like a million bucks.”
Laura fingered the soft fabric of a nearby dress. “Jen, I appreciate this, but I don’t need new clothes. I have plenty at at home.” The word stuck in her throat.
Jen’s expression softened. “I know. But right now, you need something that’s just yours. Something he’s never seen, something that has nothing to do with him.”
Put that way, Laura had to admit it made sense. She allowed Jen to pile her arms with dresses, following her sister to the changing
Tooms
The first few dresses were nice enough, but nothing special. Then Laura slipped on a sleek black number with a daring neckline. As she looked in the mirror, she felt a spark of something she hadn’t felt in days: confidence.
“Jen?” she called. “I think I found it.
Jen’s gasp when Laura stepped out was gratifyingly dramatic. “Oh my God, Laura. You look incredible!”
Laura smoothed her hands down the dress, admiring the way it hugged her curves. “You think so?”
“Are you kidding? You look like a freaking movie star. We are definitely getting that one.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN–The Trap is Set But For Whom?
10
CHAPTER THIRTEEN – The Trap is Set, But For Whom?
As they left the store, Laura clutching the bag with her new dress, they passed by a travel agency. Jen paused, eyeing the posters of tropical beaches and European cities.
“You know,” she said slowly, “maybe what you need is a real getaway. A chance to clear your head somewhere new.”
”
For a moment, Laura was tempted. The idea of escaping, of leaving all her problems behind, was incredibly appealing. But then reality
set in.
“I can’t,” she said softly. “I have to deal with this, Jen. Running away won’t solve anything ”
Jen nodded, looking both proud and a little sad. “You’re right. I just wish I could make this easier for you somehow.”
Laura linked her arm through her sister’s. “You are. More than you know.”
As evening fell, they found themselves at a cozy Italian restaurant, the kind of place with checkered tablecloths and candles in old wine bottles. The smell of garlic and tomato sauce filled the air, making Laura realize she was actually hungry for the first time in days.
“So,” Jen said as they settled into their booth, “how are you really doing
Laura twirled pasta around her fork, considering the question. “Honestly? I don’t know. It still doesn’t feel real, you know? Like I’m going to wake up and find out this was all some horrible dream“
Jen reached across the table, squeezing Laura’s hand. “I wish it was. But you know you’re going to get through this, right? You’re one of the strongest people I know.”
Laura managed a weak smile. “I don’t feel very strong right now.”
“That’s okay,” Jen assured her. “You don’t have to be strong all the time. That’s what I’m here for ”
As they ate, Laura found herself opening up more. She talked about her fears for the future, her anger at Leon, her confusion about
what to do next.
“I just keep wondering if I could have done something differently,” she admitted. “It I’d been a better wife, or more attentive, or…”
“Stop right there,” Jen interrupted firmly. “This is not your fault, Laura. Leon made his choices. He’s the one who broke your wows, not
you,”
Laura nodded, but the guilt still grawed at her. She thought of Ryan again, of their passionate encounters in New York. She hadn’t told Leon about that, and she still couldn’t bring herself to tell Jen. The shame of it burned in her chest.
As they drove home, Laura felt a glimmer of something that might have been hope. She wasn’t okay, not by a long shot. But for the first time since discovering Leon’s betrayal, she felt like maybe, someday, she could be
Back at Jen’s house, they settled on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and a lighthearted romantic comedy playing on the TV. Laura knew Jen had chosen it to cheer her up, and she appreciated the effort, even if the on–screen romance felt painfully unrealistic right
As the movie played, Laura felt her eyelids growing heavy. The emotional rollercoaster of the past few days, combined with the pampering and good food, had left her utterly drained
She must have dozed off because the next thing she knew, Jen was gently shaking her awake.
“Come on, sleepyhead,” len said softly. “Let’s get you to bed.”
Laura mumbled something incoherent, allowing len to guide her to the guest room. As she crawled under the covers, she felt a wave of gratitude wash over her.
“Thank you,” she murmured, already half asleep. “For everything.”
