Another morning came.
Arielle left her suite late, her hair pinned neatly, her expression composed, the faintest veil of distance wrapped around her like armor. She nodded politely to the staff who greeted her, never once faltering, never once revealing the turmoil Kairo suspected churned beneath her calm.
He watched from the end of the corridor as she descended the staircase, not approaching, not announcing himself. Her presence alone was enough to command his focus. Every step she took seemed deliberate, measured.
The household buzzed with preparations, whispers spreading through the halls. In a matter of days, the Vescari family would host the grand party—a declaration of power, wealth, and ownership. More importantly, it would serve as Arielle’s official unveiling as Mrs. Kairo Vesc
