The mansion's living room was quiet and cozy in the early morning light. Sunlight slipped through the tall windows, warming the polished wooden floor and the soft cream-colored couch where I sat. A low coffee table held a tray with two steaming cups of tea, a small silver sugar bowl, and a few biscuits. The faint smell of jasmine tea mixed with the clean scent of the room. Polished wood, fresh flowers in a vase, and a hint of last night's warmth still lingering in the air.
I leaned back against the cushions, wrapped my hands around the hot cup the waiter had just poured, and took a slow sip.
*Slurp.*
"Ahmm… the tea feels so refreshing," I said, letting out a long, satisfied breath.
Elizabeth sat beside me, legs tucked under her, wearing a loose grey sweater that hung off one shoulder and black pants that hugged her legs. She'd wiped her body clean after the shower and looked relaxed, hair still a little damp and messy. She took a sip from her own cup and smiled.
