Take This Withered Love

The whispers weren't subtle. Elena heard every word.

"I went to university with Mr. Fischer and Ms. Miller," a man in a tailored suit said under his breath. "Back then, the way he treated her was intense. He was basically one step away from proposing before graduation."

"No wonder," someone beside him replied. "First love is first love. Wife or not, she's still the one that matters."

"And what did all her scheming to marry into the family even get her?" another person added, casting a dismissive glance at Elena. "She gave him kids and still couldn't win his heart. I'd say she's going to spend the rest of her life alone."

Elena stood there quietly. It felt as if her heart had turned to ice. It was heavy and dull, but it no longer seemed to hurt.

She took a deep breath and walked toward the elevator.

Just as the doors were about to close, a hand slipped between them.

Sabrina stepped inside in her high heels, perfectly composed, her red lips curved in a faint smile.

"The divorce will be finalized in three days," she said, meeting Elena's eyes directly. "You're going to leave like you promised, right?"

Elena pressed the button for the first floor. "Of course. I want out more than anyone."

Sabrina's smile widened in satisfaction. "Good. I'll take care of this family from here on out. Lucas and the kids never liked you anyway. Give it time, and they won't remember you at all."

Elena didn't respond, letting the elevator descend in silence.

All of a sudden, a loud crash sounded as the elevator jerked violently.

The lights went out.

Sabrina screamed and grabbed her phone. "Lucas! Help! The elevator malfunctioned!"

Elena slammed against the wall. Pain split across her forehead, and something warm ran down her face.

Some time passed before voices and footsteps echoed outside.

"Are you two alright in there?" the rescuer shouted.

"Help us! My leg is stuck!" Sabrina yelled, pounding on the door.

Metal screeched as tools forced the doors apart, and a beam of blinding light cut through the darkness.

A rescuer leaned in to check on the situation, his expression grim. "Mr. Fischer, both women's legs are pinned. We're running out of time. We can only extract one first. Who should we take?"

Through blurred vision, Elena saw Lucas standing behind the rescuer with Benjamin and Charlotte.

His gaze locked onto Sabrina, and he spoke without hesitation. "Get Sabrina out."

"Save Ms. Miller first! Hurry!" the children cried, tugging at the rescuer's sleeve.

The rescuer frowned. "Mr. Fischer, Mr. Benjamin, Ms. Charlotte, the other woman appears to be more severely injured. I recommend saving her first."

"I said Sabrina!" Lucas demanded icily.

The rescuer let out a helpless sigh and reached in to pull Sabrina out.

Elena watched as they carefully lifted Sabrina free. The elevator door, now supported by only half its frame, let out a harsh, grating creak before it gave way.

The warped metal slammed down onto her leg. Pain tore through her body so violently that it robbed her of breath.

The last thing she saw was Lucas carrying Sabrina away, with the two children cheering joyfully behind him.

Then, the darkness swallowed her whole.