Maria handed him his clothes, watching as he dressed piece by piece. She also helped him adjust his attire and, in the meantime, passed along the daily updates she had heard from Lucia.

Simon listened as he dressed, and once ready, turned to kiss her, only to be gently pushed away by Maria.

“Go wash your face and brush your teeth. I’ll head downstairs to see if breakfast is ready.”

Unbothered by her rejection, Simon cheekily stole another kiss before heading next door to wash up.

The lady’s bedroom had essentially become their washroom by now.

Maria lifted her skirt and headed downstairs. On the third-floor hallway, she ran into...