Tabitha’s POV

The next day, I manage to play the sick card again. The maids bring breakfast and lunch to my room, so I was excused from the mandatory dining with the rest of the family. That’s why I don’t see the brothers all day. When dinner comes, Mom personally delivers my meal, still fussing over me.

“You’re not too warm anymore. That’s a relief. Try to get a full night’s rest and see how you feel in the morning.” She smooths the blanket over me with gentle hands, the same way she used to when I was little. “Good night, my darling.”

“Good night, Mom.”

**

Later that night,...