Chapter 16 - Rebuilding the Pieces
The next few months were dedicated entirely to my physical healing.
I pushed myself relentlessly in physical therapy every single morning.
The fractures in my ribs healed, and the terrible pain in my hip slowly faded to a dull ache.
I eventually traded my heavy wooden cane for a lighter brace, and then nothing at all.
I returned to my job at the design firm, pouring all of my creative energy into my work.
My colleagues were incredibly supportive, welcoming me back with open arms.
They never asked prying questions about the accident or the rumors surrounding Mark's death.
I slowly began to rebuild the social life that Mark had isolated me from.
I reconnected with old friends and started attending community events again.
Through a mutual friend, I heard rumors about Eleanor's inevitable downfall.
Without Mark's stolen money to fund her gambling habit, she had lost everything.
Her lavish suburban house had been seized by the bank in foreclosure.
She was forced to move into a tiny, rundown apartment in a terrible neighborhood.
Her country club friends had completely abandoned her after the scandal broke.
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She was living a lonely, miserable existence, completely isolated by her own toxic pride.
I felt absolutely no pity for the woman who had tried to destroy me.
