MILES
As I pulled up to the venue, my car slowed to a stop, and my gaze instinctively turned toward the grand entrance.
There, was a massive portrait of Axelle, her face bright with that unmistakable, radiant smile. It was a smile that once held so much promise, so much life. I couldn't help but wonder what she had been thinking in that moment before everything turned dark. Before everything was taken from her.
I shifted my focus, my eyes narrowing slightly as they traced the details of her expression, moving down to her eyes. There was something there, something familiar, and for a moment, I swore I could see Renee looking back at me. It was a fleeting glimpse of the person she used to be. A person I wanted to believe was still there, buried under the tragedy of what had happened.
Suddenly, Ines's voice pierced through the quiet, pulling me from my thoughts. "You liked her, didn't you?"
