We walk back to the house in silence, the cold night air wrapping around us as we move along the moonlit path. I had asked Jack if we could skip the carriage—I needed the fresh air, something to clear the chaos in my head. He didn’t ask questions, just nodded and walked beside me.
By the time we reach the house, my limbs are heavy with exhaustion. I don’t wait for him to open the door—I push it open myself, step inside, and head straight to the bedroom.
The moment I enter, I begin kicking off my heels. The dress feels suffocating and I reach behind me, fingers fumbling with the zipper as I start to peel it off.
But halfway through tugging it down my hips, I feel it—that unmistakable sensation of eyes burning into my back. I pause, frown, and glance over my shoulder, only to blink in dis
