Jenifer's POV
On New Year's Eve, I found myself sitting by my apartment window, staring out at the empty street below. Loneliness crept through me like a familiar ache.
New Year's Eve at my family's house used to be magical. The Zach home would overflow with laughter and warmth. After our feast, we'd bundle up and light fireworks against the winter darkness. Those moments felt like pure joy.
Then came my years with the Gould. Eliza would force me to slave away in their villa kitchen, cooking and cleaning for everyone. I'd work myself to exhaustion while they celebrated, never receiving so much as a thank you.
Year after year, I'd bring them carefully chosen gifts. Year after year, Eliza would tear them apart with criticism. I wasn't worthy of Reed, she'd say. I was driving a wedge between him and his family. In her eyes, I'd always be nothing more than an intruder.
