, painting the silk curtains gold. The air smelled faintly of roses, sweet

nt, she lay still, listening. The house was quiet, too quiet, e

st life, she had woken this same way nervous, eager, desperate to please. She had imagined Damia

a had be

ed her arms calmly and stoo

soft knock

id's voice called.

. C

heavy. Last time, she had clung to it as if it wo

Aria said

ood and fresh clothes. They bowed politely, but Aria caught the flick

too eager to win approval. She had smiled and thanked the

anyway but for a

me. Good. Keep u

its, tea steaming in porcelain cups. One maid helped arrange the sil

scanning the food without much interest. She lifted t

Cross?" she

ously. "The master left early, mad

d it. In her first life, she had been hurt by his coldness, confused by h

n staff the tea is too weak," she said

ld have stayed silent, swallowing whatever was given t

murmured quickly, bow

st a small act, but enough to r

he finished, she rose and moved to the vanity. The

ride stared back, her face calm, her eyes bright but hard. She look

in at the door.

maids hurri

weet smile and a box of gifts in her hands,

like honey dripping with sugar. "I just couldn't

. Her fingers tightened on the edge of the

murmured

me had

flowing behind her, her eyes bright with practiced warmth. She carri

de enough to hurt. "I brought a little gift fo

ith curiosity. Even the servants knew Sophia Lin's name. The Lin family wasn't as weal

e. A lonely bride, ignored by her husband, desperate

tilt of her chin, the faint calculation in her

r. She let Sophia step closer

her tone polite but cool. "Isn't it tir

asm. In her past life, Aria had clasped her hands and t

losest bestie after such an important day? Besides..." Her smile sharpened just slightly.

te

eace. The Cross estate is... much quieter than my parents' hou

oken of the Carter house, but both of them knew she mea

ged glances, hid

"Well, it's good to see you so composed

her. "You worry too much. I'm n

air. Simple. Yet sharp

before she smoothed her expression. "Of course

ison in her past life. It had

nd I admire you too, Sophia. Always so... thoughtful. Always

, Sophia's eyes fl

d Sophia was. This time, she gave nothing away. Only a

t?" Sophia urged quickly, h

ed into delicate blossoms. Beautiful, expensive and carefull

proudly until Sophia herself whispered that Damian disl

them briefly before closing the

t a calm acknowledgment, like so

e had expected warmth, gratitude, depend

sn't ready

eed someone to guide you through high society. The Crosses have su

s subtle,

suppose you'll be very busy. After all, the Cross

ids froze, then ducked their h

l victory, bu

d happened. "Do sit, Sophia. Don't just st

ed unsettled. Her perfect smile was still on h

er teacup. Yes, Sophia. This won't