The next morning, Yuki slowly opened her eyes, shivering as the cold air slipped through the blanket wrapped around her body. Her gaze immediately shifted to the space beside her. The sheets were already cold, a sign that Ivan had left long before she woke.
She stared at that spot for a moment, but this time, there was no disappointment.
A faint scent of soap lingered on her skin, and she wore different clothes. That alone was enough for her to know Ivan hadn't left her without care. He had taken the time to tend to her afterward, even if she had never asked for it.
Yuki let out a quiet sigh, her eyes drifting to the ceiling before she sat up on the edge of the bed. Back at the brothel, servants would've rushed to help her the moment she awoke. But here, in Russia, she couldn't rely on anyone to always be there for her.
