As Amelie poured out her painful past to Maria, a connection of trust and shared burden deepened between them. Maria, with sincere concern, couldn't help but wonder at the strength Amelie displayed in facing such hardships.
"Why change your identity, Ivy?" Maria asked gently, her eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and empathy.
Amelie, turning toward Maria, extended her hand, inviting her to share the depths of her soul. As her fingers reached Maria's, Amelie began to unravel the tale that haunted her nights. It was a narrative of betrayal, heartbreak, and a descent into darkness.
"It was my birthday three years ago," Amelie began, her voice tinged with the weight of memories. "Gerard, my husband, arranged a surprise for me at a hotel. But the surprise was not the kind you'd cherish.
