AUTHORS POV

That evening, Tessa returned to the estate, slipping in before the guards changed. Mariana greeted her, smiling brightly as if nothing had changed.

Pedro was in his study, tall and sharp-suited, papers scattered across his mahogany desk. He looked up, face brightening when he saw her.

“Beautiful,” he said, rising. “You’re stunning tonight.”

Tessa offered her practiced smile. “Thank you. I thought I’d surprise you with dinner.”

Pedro’s eyes flickered with something between delight and surprise. “Wonderful. I’ll have dinner prepared.”

She prayed every words before manifesting them vocally, she begged for courage to do all that she needed to do.

In the dining room, the table was...