A Cold Farewell

The next morning came quietly. Valerie slipped into the dress Donovan had chosen for her.

The fit was perfect, as if it had been made with her measurements in mind.Simple, elegant, understated. Nothing excessive, nothing out of place.

When Ruben arrived to pick her up, he paused the moment he saw her face. She looked pale, worn thin around the edges.

"Ma’am, are you feeling okay?" he asked careful