Chapter 2005

The sight of a couple clearly smitten with each other caught Eloise’s attention. It made her think, unwillingly, of her own marriage.

At first, she and her husband had been just like that, deeply in love. But over time, things had changed. The spark had faded, and now that the Escobar family was in turmoil, her husband had grown more distant than ever.

Would my life have turned out differently if I had married someone like Nathaniel?

Cecilia arrived before Eloise. “Ms. Escobar, what brings you here?”

Not wanting to make a scene in front of the crowd nearby, Eloise suggested, “Let’s step outside and talk.”

Cecilia followed her out.

Outside, snow was falling steadily, and the cold bit through the air. Eloise hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke. “Ceci, don’t you own a mall? Could I ask a favor?”