The drive was exactly what I needed. I had breakfast, sat around for some extra minutes while trying hard to think about anything else but Elias. But there seemed to be nothing pleasant to think about, not just all. I decided to head back.
By the time I returned to the estate, the sun was high in the sky and my private moment of freedom was over. I headed straight to the study to look into the day's report.
Elias was waiting in the hallway outside the study. His posture was impeccable, as always. He held the door open for me without saying a word, and I in turn strode in without a word. I heard the door close behind him as I moved to my desk and settled down.
"Anything?" I asked, not looking at him.
"No, ma'am. All quiet." His voice was flat, professional. Like I hadn't heard him chuckle this morning.
I simply nodded.
"Good. You may leave." I said curtly.
