The morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse, but Aria couldn't appreciate its warmth.
She sat curled up on the sofa, a mug of tea growing cold between her hands. Her thoughts kept drifting back to the masquerade gala.
To Elena's tear-streaked face.
To the desperation in her voice.
"It wasn't me."
The words echoed in her mind no matter how hard she tried to push them away.
Dominic emerged from his study, already dressed for the day. One glance at Aria was enough for him to pause.
She hadn't noticed him.
She was staring blankly out the window, absentmindedly tracing circles around the rim of her mug.
He walked over quietly.
"Good morning."
She looked up and forced a smile.
"Morning."
"You've been awake for a while."
"I couldn't sleep much
