The Cross residence was unusually quiet that morning.
The previous day's celebration had ended late, yet the household had already returned to its usual rhythm. Staff members moved efficiently through the halls, preparing for another busy day as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened.
Adrian stood on the balcony outside his bedroom, a cup of coffee untouched in his hand.
His eyes wandered across the gardens below, but he wasn't really looking at them.
His thoughts remained somewhere else entirely.
He had replayed the engagement ceremony more times than he cared to admit.
Not because of the applause.
Not because of the photographs.
Because of Miranda.
The image that refused to leave his mind wasn't her smile during the ring exchange.
It was her face after she returned.
Calm.
Composed.
Perfectly polite.
And completely absent.
A gentle knock sounded behind him.
He turned.
One of the household staff stood at the doorway.
"Good morning, Mr. Cross."
