The morning sun crept through the gaps in the silk curtains, yet Celine felt no warmth when she opened her eyes. She reached for the side of the bed beside her. The sheets were already cold and prim.
Leo was gone, leaving only the faint, masculine scent of his cologne lingering on the pillow. With hurried movements, as if desperate to wash away every trace of last night's embrace, Celine hurried to the bathroom to scrub herself clean and trade that cursed lingerie for more appropriate clothing.
She had just finished drying her hair when a stiff, rhythmic knocking sounded at the door.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Who is it?" Celine asked, her voice slightly raspy.
"Maria," the voice answered from behind the door. "Master Leo is waiting for you in the dining room for breakfast."
Celine let out a long sigh, staring at her haggard reflection in the mirror. Why does he keep forcing these shared meals on me? she muttered to herself with a suppressed sense of loathing.
