Rowan did not leave for the office that morning.
Elara knew before she even stepped out of her bedroom.
She heard his voice from the study down the hallway. Calm. Even. Controlled. Not loud, but steady enough that the quiet of the house carried it clearly.
She stood in her doorway for a moment, listening.
He was already working.
That meant the study was taken.
She walked into the kitchen and poured herself coffee. The house staff moved quietly around her, but even they seemed aware that he was home. There was a different kind of order in the air when Rowan worked from the house.
She carried her mug toward the living room and paused.
For a moment, she considered knocking on the study door. Not to interrupt. Just to say good morning properly. The thought surprised h
