Chapter 46

After 23 years of silence, Trina had assumed Elise was nothing but a forgotten skeleton in the earth. Yet here she was, lying in a hospital bed, a book resting atop the blanket, an IV drip suspended above her. Even during illness, Elise possessed a serene, almost ethereal beauty—the kind that came from weathering countless storms and surrendering to whatever fate may bring. Like now, Trina's sudden visit hadn't caused a ripple in her expression. She could still smile and greet her with a calm, "Long time no see." Trina clenched her teeth. Elise's unshakable composure was something she could never master. Nothing ever seemed to rattle Elise. Nothing could make her break into laughter or tears. She always wore that same faint, indifferent smile, no matter the circumstance. And yet, Trina only had to hear the names "Elise Hart" and "Elyse Moore" for irritation to claw at her insides. At that moment, her suspicions were confirmed—and oddly enough, a sense of calm settled over her.