---
After putting on her thin dress, Rhea pulled her long coat over it. The coat covered everything and made her look like the same calm noblewoman who had entered the room the previous evening. She stood before the small mirror, fixed her hair, and then untied her red ribbon before tying it again properly.
John watched her fingers move until Rhea noticed him through the mirror.
"You are staring again."
"The ribbon suits you."
Her hands stopped for a moment. She touched the ribbon gently before answering. "My mother gave it to me when I was young. She told me to wear it whenever I needed to remember that I belonged to myself."
John's expression became more serious. "Then do not let anyone take that feeling from you."
Rhea turned around and looked directly at him. "I will not."
She walked closer and placed her palm against his chest. Her touch was warm and gentle, but her eyes remained firm.
"What happened last night does not mean I belong to you."
