Love for sale

om her limbs, and mentally prepared herself for another day of servitude in Thornewood Hall. Her fingers tra

ade her way downstairs to the kitchen. Mrs. Whitaker was already bust

hitaker," Elara greet

warmly. "We've a busy day ahead. Lord Thor

red who the guest was and why their visit seemed so significant. But she knew better than

f moved with a heightened sense of urgency, ensuring everything was perfect for their master's

ecked every detail, ensuring fresh flowers were arranged in a vase on the dresser and that the linens were

rew. She made her way to the foyer, where Alexander stood, his demea

"You are to present yourself with the utmost decorum. I

in lifting slightly in def

g. "Do not test me, Elara. You may find tha

n her chest as she turned to watch the sleek black car pull up to the entrance. The driver stepped out, opening the door to

greeted, his tone warmer th

smooth and cultured. She glanced at Elar

r said, his tone

y, a hint of surprise in her expression

ile. "Welcome to Thornew

for a moment longer before turning back to Alexand

er into the grand foyer. Elara followed,

There was a familiarity between them, a shared history that made Elara feel even more like an outsider. Lady Mer

ocused on maintaining the facade of a dutiful wife. Alexander and Lady Meredith conversed easily, their voices a ble

xander escorted her to her room, leaving Elara alone in the dining hall. She stared at her re

s once again inscrutable. He stood at the

ell today," he said, hi

" Elara rep

approval," he continued. "You have a long

her lap, but she nodded. "

o to bed. Tomorrow will

the empty corridors. She felt a deep sense of exhaustion, not just from the physical

uld find a way to endure. She would not let Alexander break her spirit. She would survive this

ension in Thornewood Hall. Elara dressed quickly, determined to face the day with as much resilience as s

me fresh herbs from the garden?" Mrs. W

ul for the brief escape from the o

rden was a stark contrast to the cold formality of the mansion. Elara carefully select

raised voices coming from the dining roo

voice was sharp and unforgiving. "Lady Meredith is an

d now realized her absence might have been noticed. Hurrying to the kitchen