<h4>Chapter 219: Awkward Morning</h4>


    <strong>Evaline:</strong><fn953f> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? find~novel</fn953f>


    It was the faint sound of my rm that pulled me out of the warm cocoon of sleep. My eyes fluttered open, only to be greeted by a soft morning light sneaking in through the heavy velvet curtains. Instinctively, I reached out to the other side of the bed... only to find it empty.


    But it wasn’t cold.


    The sheets were still warm. Oscar had left... but not long ago. My lips curled into a soft smile as I buried my face into the pillow he used. His scent was still lingering - fresh pinewood, quiet strength, and somethingforting I couldn’t name. For a moment, I let myself be greedy and held onto that warmth.


    And then it hit me.


    For the first time in nearly four months, I had no sses, no long day of work waiting for me, no responsibilities wing at my heels. I was... free. Completely and utterly free to spend the day however I wanted.


    I silenced the rm, as it started ringing again, with a satisfied sigh and curled back under the nket. My fingers rested lightly over the ce Oscar had just upied, and I let myself fall back asleep, feeling more peaceful than I had in weeks.


    When I woke next, the digital clock on the side table blinked <i>9:02 AM</i>. I stretchedzily before pulling myself out of bed, making it neatly out of habit. A little hum left my lips as I padded to the bathroom.


    I didn’t bother with my full morning workout today, but a few stretches made my muscles sigh in relief. After a refreshing shower, I slipped into a soft blue-colored turtleneck and loose ck trousers. It wasfy, cozy, and decent enough for being around the mansion.


    My stomach rumbled as I made my way downstairs. The long hallways were quiet, echoing with the distant footsteps of servants or warriors walking around and their asional muffled voices. I wasn’t sure if any of the brothers were still home. Honestly, I didn’t even know what the n for the day was.


    But I definitely wasn’t expecting to walk into a room full of strangers.


    The moment I stepped into the main living area, a dozen or so heads turned toward me.


    I froze.


    And so did they.


    The air grew thick in an instant, and for several seconds, no one said anything.


    I stared at them - men and women, all dressed sharply, standing in small clusters like they were in the middle of an important meeting. A few were holding folders, others were discussing fabrics and essories lined across the massive ce.


    They were stunned. Not just by the fact that I walked in on them... but because I was here. In <i>this</i> house. In <i>these</i> clothes. And clearly... I didn’t look like a staff.


    I opened my mouth but no words came out.


    Then someone stepped forward.


    "Miss Evaline?"


    It was a familiar voice. I blinked as I recognized the woman in her mid-thirties who was now moving toward me. I realized that she had a new haircut... her previously long hair was now cropped short. She was wearing a crisp grey suit, and holding an iPad in her hand. She was none other than River’s secretary.


    "I-It’s good to see you, Ms. Emma," I stammered awkwardly.


    She smiled - the usual polite, professional, but I didn’t miss the surprise flickering in her eyes. "You too. I didn’t realize you were... here."


    Neither did I. Not like this.


    The others still hadn’t said anything, but I could feel their minds racing behind thoseposed expressions. Who was I? Why was Iing from the hallway leading to the staircases that led to the upper floors - the private rooms? Why was I dressed casually instead of a uniform? Why did River’s secretary seem to know me?


    I was two seconds from awkwardly excusing myself when thest person I expected, or maybe the exact person I <i>should</i> have expected, appeared behind me.


    "Rx, all of you."


    I turned at the sound of River’s voice.


    He was dressed in a ck shirt. The sleeves were rolled up, and a silver watch was glinting on his wrist. His hair was slightly tousled, like he had juste back from outside. He gave me a sideways nce, then stepped beside me without missing a beat.


    "These people are here to help us get ready for the Winter Solstice Ball tonight," he announced to me, not even bothering to address the group. "Don’t mind them."


    I blinked. <i>Right</i>. The ball. How could I have forgotten that?


    He didn’t introduce me. Didn’t offer them any exnation. And that, more than anything, sent a silent message to the room - <i>She doesn’t owe you answers.</i>


    Whether I wanted to admit it or not, I was grateful for his help for pulling me out of the awkward situation.


    "Come," he said next, surprising me as well as the dozen people who were still closely watching me... and now River too. "You haven’t eaten, have you?"


    I shook my head, and he led the way.


    The moment we entered the dining room, I felt my nerves settle just a little... but not by much. River was quiet as he gestured for the staff to serve breakfast. I contemted a little before moving to sit on my usual seat, but stopped when I felt his eyes on me.


    I chewed on my lower lip as I pulled my hands back from where they were resting on the top of the backrest of my chair. Slowly, I moved toward Draven’s chair, on River’s right, and sat down.


    Sitting this close to him, the long dining table fstarted feeling too formal with just the two of us. And while the silence between us wasn’t awkward... it sure was heavy.


    Breakfast arrived immediately - a tray of freshly cut fruits, warm bread, avacado toast, spiced omelets, a ss of milk for me and a cup of ck coffee for River.


    But I realized my appetite had vanished.


    I nibbled at the bread, sipped the warm milk, and tried not to squirm under River’s unreadable gaze.


    And then... just when I thoughts things couldn’t go any worse... he dropped the bomb.


    "You’ll be attending the Ball with me tonight."