The morning started like most others now. I woke up, stared at the ceiling for a few minutes, then forced myself out of bed. Another day in this big, quiet house. I brushed my teeth, washed my face, and put on simple clothes. Downstairs, Mrs. Hale had breakfast ready. Lucian was already at the table, looking sharp in a dark suit.
“Morning,” I said quietly as I sat down.
He gave a short nod. “Morning.”
We ate in silence for a while. I tried to make conversation like I usually did.
“Did you sleep well?” I asked.
“Fine,” he replied, not looking up from his phone.
I nodded and took another bite. These short answers didn’t hurt as much as they used to, but they still left me feeling empty. After breakfast, Lucian stood up.
“I have meetings all day,” he said. “Remember the rules. Dinner a
