ELLA

the stillness. Dinner was over, the dishes were washed, and yet I found myself lin

ssa was acting sweeter than usual-which only ever happened when she wanted something. I

ned to see her standing in the doorway, her hands on her hips. "Are yo

just a

"You know how much your father works to keep this hou

hat threatened to slip out. I'd learned long ag

stairs, I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had

Marissa was waiting for me in the living room. Her sharp eyes sca

-out dress in my direction. I barely man

will be going somewhere," she said, h

. The words came naturally, and I meant them. She didn't have to give me anythin

old and clearly out of Lady Marissa's regular wardrobe rotation, it was far nicer than an

were going the next day, but just the thought of stepping outside

*

*

*

, neatly pressed and ready. I didn't have an iron, but I'd spent a good hour last night

ves were a bit loose, and the hem brushed just above my ankles. I smiled at my reflection

er rang through the house as she fussed over her hair. "I told you that shade of re

"Relax, Aria. No one's going to care wh

s dressed in one of her finer gowns, sipping tea like she had nowhe

presentable," she muttered

ne was far from kind, but I chose to focus on the f

a long maroon gown with a slit that reached her thigh and heels that clic

ss Mama gave you?" she asked with

her and t

n. He barely glanced at me as he grabbed a piece of bread from the counter. Marissa shot him

lack suit and adjusting his cufflinks. He looked far t

sa?" I finally asked, unable to

ied curtly, her lips pr

t, eating the small piece of bread she handed me

creaked loudly every time it opened. Matteo winced as he slid into the passenger seat, clearly unam

trying not to cringe at the musty smell

e Father fidgeted with the steering wheel. Aria tapped away on her phone, probably updating her fol

iny black cars and sleek sports vehicles zipped past us, their e

estate, the largest and most intimidating mansion I'd ever seen. Its grand gates loomed ab

. Father followed, his face pale as he glanced around nervously. I he

y a word unless spoken to," Mariss

rance. The doors were already open, and a lavish hallway stretched