After surviving the somewhat awkward meal, Maria, as Lucia and Julia had predicted, asked for a bath. Although Simon hinted that he’d like to join her, unfortunately, their bathtub wasn’t big enough for two people, so Maria firmly refused.

This time, she didn’t allow the maids to assist her. After bathing, she skipped her usual skincare routine. Her body was still covered in marks from last night, and her soft, pale skin bruised easily. She didn’t want anyone else to see the purple and blue bruises or the many red marks, like strawberries, dotting her skin.

When she emerged from the bathroom, Simon had also finished his bath. Waiting for...