I ran away.
Looking at the beautiful garden through the window, I realized what I had done.
From this angle, the estate looked peaceful, untouched by the voices and glances inside. But that was the illusion.
It only looked that way because I wasn't standing inside it anymore.
The corner where I stood was isolated, giving me just enough space to breathe without being seen. The laughter and voices from the dining hall were muted here.
Tilting the glass, I looked at myself reflected in the golden surface of the wine—halfway empty now. Not the sweet kind. The real one.
This was my second glass, and I brought it to my lips, gulping instead of sipping.
God. I needed that.
Especially after what happened at the table. After Alina left—along with all the members seated at the middle table.
A meeting, perhaps. Or something only Kingsleys with actual authority were allowed to attend.
