XVII

I woke up to sunlight streaming through the curtains, the golden beams a little too cheerful for the way I felt. My head was pounding, and my heart carried the lingering weight of last night’s embarrassment. I sat up slowly, pressing my palms against my face as the memories came rushing back.

What was I thinking?

Shaking it off, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and stood, stretching as I tried to summon the energy to start my day. Coffee first. Then breakfast. Then maybe I could fake my way through work without my humiliation plastered across my face.

By the time I made it downstairs, the household staff had already set out breakfast. I nibbled on toast, my appetite nonexistent. Each bite felt heavy, like it might churn in my stomach if I wasn’t careful. But appearances……