The night air was cold, pressing heavily against the mansion walls as though the building itself could sense the rising tension inside. David sat alone in the dimly lit study, a half-empty glass of brandy in his hand, his eyes fixed on nothing in particular. The room was silent except for the slow ticking of the golden wall clock above the fireplace — each tick echoing in his skull like a mocking reminder of how his life was slipping out of his control.
He leaned back in his chair, running his hand through his hair. “What’s wrong with me?” he muttered under his breath. “Why am I even thinking about that girl?”
He laughed bitterly, shaking his head as he poured himself another drink. “She’s just a maid — a servant for goodness’ sake. Why am I even losing sleep over her?”
But as soon as h
