The heavy silence that filled the grand parlor was finally broken by Ophilia's voice.
"Please, have a seat."
Her tone was as soft as usual, but there was a faint tremble in her voice a slight crack in her composure that only she could detect. Avvion walked to the main sofa and sat down, his movements calm and deliberate.
"I am grateful for your hospitality," he said, his voice smooth but cold.
Ophilia gave a small, stiff nod before taking her own seat. Meanwhile, Olivia remained standing behind Avvion like a shadow. She kept her head bowed, not daring to look up at the noblewoman. Even so, she could feel Ophilia's eyes fixed on her, heavy and persistent.
Her chest felt tight.
Why does she keep looking at me? Does she really think I have a secret relationship with Duke Avvion? If she thinks that, she must hate me.
Olivia bit her lip gently, her heart racing.
I am sorry... even though I don't know what is happening, I am truly sorry for whatever you think I've done.
