For the past five years, Rhea had grown accustomed to her solitude, especially when she was at home. Although Dion’s departure had initially left her feeling deeply lonely and heartbroken, having been used to living with him—slowly, Rhea began to live her life the way she had before Dion ever entered it.

Edric’s presence became one of the reasons Rhea no longer felt alone. Throughout those five years, she and Edric met often and spent time together. They even became business partners, ...