efore Sophia could form

is presence filling the room li

an C

every movement controlled and precise. His gaze swept ove

ence wa

, desperate to show him she was a good wife. She would have sm

her teacup, her posture

e wider than ever. "Forgive me for intruding so early. I couldn't resist coming

tion between herself and Aria an invisible rope

is cold gaze lingered on Sophia for

was low, clipped, directed n

dn't even spoken to Aria in moments like this. He had

, Aria met hi

y. "Miss Lin was kind enough to brin

ness, no attempt to win his favor.

n's eyes flickered, a fai

ross, I hope you don't mind my visit. I only wanted to make sure Ari

with pity. In the past, Damian had let

Not at all. I've enjoyed the quiet. It's refreshing after

plication was sharp: she didn't n

lled, holding

alm confidence was nothing like the nervous bride he expecte

e case, then let the servants escort Miss

ile froze.

ith a glance sharp e

wing as they approached. "M

a crack for the desperate, pleading look she had once rel

forced her smile back and curtsied.

m, her silk dress swis

losed. Sil

n Aria. He didn't speak, but his eyes studied

rried. She met his gaze briefly, then looked awa

too close," he said final

have felt like a lifeline, proof he cared. Now, she knew better.

ed lightly, as if the m

nothing more. After a long moment, he turned

ugging at her lips. For once, So

was starting

cked the air out of it. The maids hurried to tidy the trays and collect the

ide who, instead of clinging to her "dearest friend,

per later. Rumors were useful weap

and slipped out, the chamb

The box of jade hairpins still sat there, their p

r fingers, the cool stone

treasured Sophia's "thoughtfulness" until Damian's cold glance and a cutting remark convi

augh escap

r ag

the hairpin inside, letting it fall with a dull c

gless. But to Aria, it was her first rebellion

back to t

harp, her posture proud. The lace and silk she wor

s eyes when she hadn't acted as expected. He was starting to notice her but

She ha

he way her smile had cracked. The way she had be

ost of a smile forming. That'

lessly beyond the estate walls. Her enemies were out there

e had stumbled blind

would build the

isper, but the words fill

t kneel. I'll make

the air, sharper