The day after the gala, the Headinberg estate was enveloped in a deceptive quiet. The morning sun filtered through the high windows, but the atmosphere inside was thick with the aftermath of the previous night’s revelations. In the morning room, the large television was tuned to the entertainment news, the volume just high enough to fill the silence.
"In entertainment news, London’s most eligible bachelor is officially off the market," the newscaster announced, her voice chirpy against the backdrop of a high-resolution photo of Eric and Autumn from the night before. "Revealed in a red-carpet interview during a formal dinner arranged by the Kingstons, Eric Kingston himself confirmed his marital status, accompanied by his wife."
The screen flashed to a candid shot of them walking in—Eric l
