Racheal didn’t argue. She didn’t nod either. She just stared down at her hands, silent and defeated, her thoughts too tangled for words. Sophia didn’t push further. She knew when to speak, and when to let silence say the rest.
The room felt heavier than it had minutes ago, weighed down by all that had been said… and what hadn't.
Then a knock came at the door, breaking the stillness. Both women tensed slightly, then exchanged a glance. Sophia offered Racheal a faint, reassuring look before rising from the edge of the bed and walking to open it.
A maid stood outside, her head already bowed low. Whether it was fear, respect, or both, she didn’t speak until spoken to.
“Dinner time?” Sophia asked curtly.
The maid nodded quickly, not daring to lift her gaze.
Sophia rolled her eyes and flic
