Chapter 23: hallucinations

We sat across from each other, the table enveloped in a heavy silence. No words were exchanged, and neither of us made an attempt to eat. Our eyes remained locked, conveying unspoken tension and a myriad of emotions. Each time Lord John opened his mouth to speak, he hesitated and closed it again, repeating this cycle three times.

"I'm sorry, Elenore, but we need to do this," Lord John finally began, his voice laced with regret.

"I can't believe you," I exclaimed, my voice tinged with disbelief. "I told you she didn't poison me, John." As I uttered these words, John's gaze shifted, looking at me as if I had lost my sanity. "How do you know that, Elenore? I mean, how do you know?" he queried, his confusion evident in his expression.