At the same time, in the Nichols family’s old mansion—
Julissa’s eyes fluttered open as she regained consciousness.
Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains. She lay in bed for a while, clearing the haze in her mind. A clock sat on the bedside table, and she glanced at it.
It was already the next morning.
Fragments of memory surfaced in her muddled brain.
She had attended Ariana’s engagement banquet, helped Scott block some drinks, ended up getting herself drunk, and then… he had carried her out of the banquet hall. After that—she had dreamt.
She dreamt of a dance studio, of Scott appearing as she danced. In the dream, she kissed Mr. Nichols… and then she slept with him!
Julissa clapped her hands over her burning face. How could I have such a shameful dream?!
Her gaze swe
