Emma gripped Alex’s arm tightly as they followed the butler down an elaborately adorned corridor. The air smelled faintly of beeswax and old wood, and the sound of their footsteps echoed against the high ceilings. Massive oil paintings lined the walls, featuring stern-faced men and elegant women draped in historical finery. Brass sconces cast a warm glow over the room, complementing the flickering light from a chandelier that hung like a constellation above them. It was like stepping into another century, and the whole experience left her feeling dizzy with disbelief.
Alex leaned in as they walked, his voice low. “You okay?”
She nodded, but her stomach was in knots. “Just… nervous. This feels like a test I didn’t study for.”
He gave her arm a reassuring squeeze. “You’ll ace it. Promise.
