Stephen returned home shortly after sunset, arriving without any extravagant fanfare. There was no protective convoy waiting dramatically outside the gates, no flashing news cameras, and no corporate executives following behind his steps.
He simply came home to his wife.
Sylvaniah found him standing quietly near the floor-to-ceiling windows of their peaceful living room, looking out over the evening gardens. He had already removed his suit jacket, and his silk tie hung loosely around his collar.
For some inexplicable reason, seeing his broad frame in the dim light made her heart beat with nervous anticipation. She paused near the archway, smoothing the fabric of her dress.
"You came home early tonight," she murmured softly into the quiet room.
Stephen turned his head toward the sound of her voice, his dark grey eyes softening. "I told you I would return early."
"I thought President Spencer's definition of early might still mean nine in the evening," she teased gently.
