Chapter 43: Unraveling Threads

Quam raised his glass, the fiery red liquid. "To your liberation, Mariana!" he declared with a flourish. "Freedom from a man who clearly didn't deserve you." Mariana felt a surge of awkwardness. While a part of her appreciated Quam's sentiment, celebrating her divorce felt a touch dramatic. She forced a smile. "Thank you, Quam," she replied, picking up her own glass hesitantly. "Here's to new beginnings." Truth be told, Mariana wasn't much of a drinker. Wine on special occasions, perhaps, but strong cocktails were outside her usual repertoire. She lifted the glass to her lips, the pungent aroma of alcohol stinging her nostrils. Taking a small, tentative sip, her eyes widened in surprise. The concoction was a fiery explosion in her mouth. A harsh cough erupted from her throat, followed by a welling of tears that pricked at her eyes. She sputtered, desperately trying to regain her composure. "Oh my goodness, Mariana, are you alright?" Quam exclaimed, reaching out with a