She walked to the bathroom to freshen up and change. Once done, she slipped into dark brown shorts and knee-high boots of the same color.


    She paired them with white thigh-high socks and a cream-colored dress shirt. Over the shirt, she carefully fastened a ck corset with intricateces that entuated her waist.


    Lastly, she picked out a trench coat that matched her boots and shoes, and grabbed her white Hermes Kelly bag,pleting the look.


    She was ready to face the day, even if it felt a little different without the usual presence of the others.


    She sprayed a touch of Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Haute Couture perfume on her wrists, under her ears, and a few other spots, letting the scent settle around her.


    Standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling mirror, she admired her reflection.


    Her hair was down, flowing naturally as always. She twirled once, watching the fabric of her outfit shift gracefully with her movements.


    When she was satisfied with her look, feeling both confident and content, she stepped out of her room and made her way down the stairs to the second floor.


    "Good morning, little minx," Rafael greeted with a yful smile, ncing up from the financial section of his newspaper.


    He had been lounging on the sofa in the living room, but his attention shifted when he saw movement out of the corner of his eyeing down from the stairs.


    "Good morning," Zhane added, his voice calm and warm as he looked up from his medical magazine, sitting near the small flower garden by the window.


    Momentster, Luke appeared, fresh from his morning jog outside, his energy still buzzing from the run.


    "You’re awake. Good morning, babe," Luke said softly, making his way toward Hera.


    He leaned down and ced a gentle peck on the top of her head. "We came down early to take care of a few things. I hope you’re not too surprised waking up alone."


    Hera’s heart warmed at his words.


    Even if she hadn’t admitted it out loud, she had felt a little down when she woke up without anyone beside her.


    But hearing Luke’s considerate exnation made her realize how much they truly thought about her feelings—more than she had realized.


    Zhane put down the magazine and stood up, walking over to Hera with a gentle smile.


    He wrapped his arms around her in a light hug before nting a soft kiss on her cheek. "We know how tired you’ve been, so we let you sleep in," he said, his voice warm.


    "We were nning to bring you breakfast in bed, but it looks like you woke up earlier than we expected."


    Rafael, who had been standing the farthest from Hera, walked over with a smirk that held a mix of danger and mischief.


    He leaned down and kissed Hera on the lips before pulling back slightly, his eyes gleaming with yful intent. "How about a shopping trip?" he suggested. "I can bring my sister along too—so you two can chat about fashion and all that."


    Luke and Zhane exchanged a nce, raising their eyebrows in silent acknowledgment as if to say, <i>’You sly bastard, now you’re using your sister as a wingwoman?’</i>


    Rafael met their gaze with a mischievous grin, unbothered by their silent judgment.


    It wasn’t his fault he had a sister and they didn’t.


    Besides, with Minerva reflecting on her past actions, he saw this as the perfect opportunity to break the ice between her and Hera.


    The thought of his two favorite people—his beloved little sister and Hera—finally getting along filled him with a sense of contentment he hadn’t expected.


    In the past, he’d been torn, feeling as though he’d have to choose between them as they shed like rivals, especially with Minerva’s hostility.


    But now, seeing how things were evolving, he felt more fulfilled than he ever had, happier than any of his friends could imagine.


    Rafael couldn’t help but feel grateful that his sister had finally woken up to reality, choosing to recognize what was truly important instead of continuing to act like a spoiled brat, constantly pushing against everyone.


    In hindsight, he realized that her kidnapping had been a strange blessing in disguise.


    It had forced her to see who truly cared for her, removing the rose-colored sses that had distorted her view of the world.


    She had been able to grow from that experience, and he couldn’t help but appreciate the change.


    Inviting Hera to go shopping with Minerva was his way of paving the path for the two to connect and possibly be friends.


    He didn’t want any bad blood between his future wife and anyone in his family—he valued their feelings, even if he didn’t always express it.


    Deep down, he wanted them all to get along, and this seemed like the right step forward.


    "Um... Maybe next time?" Hera replied, her voice soft but thoughtful.


    "I actually need to head somewhere before meeting Director Nick for the final costume fitting and script checks..." She hesitated, her mind briefly racing.


    She <i>did</i> want to go with Rafael.


    The idea of spending time with Minerva and possibly improving their rtionship felt like a significant step—especially considering Minerva’s role in the novel.


    In the original story, Minerva had been her greatest nemesis, the one who ultimately killed her.


    Changing that dynamic now, forging a connection with her, could alter the course of her fate.


    It would also bring her one step closer to stepping into the role of the new female lead, making her rtionship with Minerva much more advantageous.


    Still, she couldn’t afford to dy her preparations for the meeting with Director Nick.