The next day, Eleanor stared at the dark circles under her eyes in the mirror, silently piling on more concealer as she inwardly cursed Nathaniel.
They crossed paths at the stairway landing. Nathaniel halted, fixing his gaze straight into Eleanor's eyes.
Eleanor suddenly felt uneasy. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she blurted out, "What are you staring at? Never seen someone as beautiful as me?"
Nathaniel paused for a moment, a flicker of amusement flashing in his eyes. He quipped, "Can't say I've seen a beauty this worn out."
Eleanor couldn't resist rolling her eyes. "I've never met a man as rude as you!" she retorted before descending the stairs.
Nathaniel raised his eyebrows, completely unbothered. He strode after her, his long legs quickly closing the distance.
