The party was in full swing, grand and glorious, but Catherine felt as if she were trapped in a maze of scrutinizing gazes and fake smiles. After escorting Catherine to greet the important guests, Lucius left her in a corner as he went off to engage in conversation with the high society businessmen. A space opened between her and the crowd, but that only made Catherine feel lonelier than ever.
Catherine stood quietly, her eyes drifting toward the garden outside the hall. She listened to the music gently echoing in the air, trying to find a moment of peace amidst the clamor. Everything in the mansion was perfect, but the perfection itself suffocated her, as if it were a facade masking something darker.
“Excuse me, are you Catherine?” A warm voice called from behind.
Catherine turned arou
