Serena
The sun was already up when I finally opened my eyes. I hadn't really slept properly.
My wedding gown hung over a chair in the corner, wrinkled and dirty from yesterday's crisis.
The sight of it made my chest ache. The little girl in me was still pained that my wedding day didn't turn out the way I dreamt but there was no use crying about it now, I was already married.
I showered slowly. The hot water helped a little, but it was not enough.
By the time I made it downstairs, my hair was still damp, and I was wearing a simple dress one of the house staff had left for me.
The dining room was quiet. Damien was already there, sitting at the head of the long table. His sleeves were rolled up, a cup of coffee half-finished in front of him. He looked tired.
"Morning," he said without looking up from his phone.
I hesitated before replying. "Morning."
He gestured toward the seat across from him. "You should eat something."
