I woke up feeling excited.
Darcy was coming over. Just the thought of finally having someone else to talk to—someone besides Selene—made me feel lighter. Grace and Miranda, on the other hand, had been hesitant about getting close to me. They avoided my gaze, hurrying off whenever they saw me coming. I had no idea why.
The other day at breakfast, Daniel seemed different from the cold figure I was used to. I was surprised when he agreed to let Darcy visit, and even more so when he asked me to sit with him, asked about my favorite colour. For a moment, I saw him differently. But by the time the meal ended, he was back to his usual self: cold, distant, unreadable. I wasn't sure why, but it bothered me more than I wanted to admit.
My phone rang. Darcy.
"Mara! I'm outside, but the man at the gate refuses to let me in! I told him I was the Madame's sister, but he didn't even budge!"
I could hear the annoyance in her voice.
"I'm coming, I'll be there in a minute." I smoothed down my long black silk dress and headed outside.
Mr. Harris greeted me with a smile. "Mrs. Voss, there's a woman outside claiming to be your sister. I didn't let her in because I wasn't sure—she didn't seem like it." He shook his head lightly.
I frowned at that, wondering what he meant.
"Let her in," I instructed. He hesitated a moment before pressing the button to open the gate.
Once Darcy's car drove in, I understood. She stepped out in a short, glittering green dress, sunglasses perched on her head, makeup heavy enough for a night out. She pulled me into a tight hug.
"Mara! How are you?" she asked, her eyes lighting up.
Growing up, Darcy had always been rebellious—sneaking out to parties, hosting them at the house whenever Father and my stepmother weren't home. At twenty-four, she still carried that reckless streak, as though her teenage years had never ended. When she told us she wanted to leave home, I had expected Father to resist, maybe even forbid it. Instead, he encouraged her. He even offered to help if she wanted to start a business over there.
"I'm fine. How are you?" I asked as we walked inside.
Darcy's eyes widened as she looked around. "This place is amazing. The inside is even more magnificent than the outside. It's breathtaking."
"Thank you, little sister." I said softly.
"I hope that husband of yours is treating you well,"
Even though I was older, Darcy had always acted protective, like she was the elder. I smiled faintly. "He is. How was life in Azura?"
"It was okay. Azura's a really great place. So many businesses, so many things to see—and lots of hot guys."
I laughed. "Hot guys?"
She laughed. "Don't get ahead of yourself. I'm not seeing anyone."
"When are you heading back?"
She hesitated. "I came back because of… a few issues. I might not return. Still deciding."
Concern tightened my chest. "I hope it's nothing serious?"
"No, not at all. Besides, I missed the life here in Lexington. I missed my favorite sibling—and my annoying twin brother."
Her cheer seemed genuine enough, and soon we were both laughing.
Grace entered just then. "Mrs. Voss, good afternoon." Her eyes flickered toward Darcy before she bowed politely.
Darcy blinked, surprised. "Wow."
I ignored it. "Grace, could you bring something for my guest?"
Darcy grinned. "Maybe a mojito?"
Grace's eyes widened slightly, but she nodded. "Of course, Mrs. Voss."
After Grace returned with her drink, Darcy and I continued chatting, covering everything from her life in Azura to my sudden new one here. She slipped in protective little questions about Daniel now and then, making sure I was okay. Eventually, we moved to the garden to get some fresh air.
"Mara, I need the bathroom. How do I find it?"
"There's one upstairs. End of the hall."
"Got it. Be back soon."
I leaned back in my chair, lighthearted. Having Darcy over made things feel a little better. I remembered Trish—she'd been checking in often since I told her everything. One day, I thought, maybe I could bring her here too.
Minutes passed, and Darcy still hadn't returned. I frowned and went inside, wondering if she'd gotten lost—it was easy in a house this size. Upstairs, I found her coming down the hall, smiling to herself as she adjusted her dress.
"You got lost?" I asked.
"Yeah. This place is way too huge." She laughed.
I studied her for a moment as we headed back outside. Something about her seemed brighter than before, though I couldn't place why.
"What time does he usually get back from work?" she asked suddenly.
"Uhh, I don't really know. Sometimes late afternoon, sometimes closer to evening."
In truth, I hadn't been paying attention. I usually stayed in my room until dinner at eight.
"Ohh, okay. He should be back soon then. I think I'll take my leave."
I walked her to her car. Once she drove out, I noticed Mr. Harris standing near the gate, a small frown etched on his face. He probably shared Daniel's dislike of visitors.
I went back inside and upstairs to my room.
By eight, I had showered and changed into a black chemise, tying a robe over it. When I arrived at the dining table, Daniel was already seated, cutting into his steak.
"Good evening," I greeted.
He didn't look up. He gave only a curt nod and continued cutting into his steak, perfectly seared and gleaming with sauce.
We ate in silence until his cold eyes lifted to me. "Did you go into my room?"
His room? Why on earth was he asking me that?
My chest tightened. "No, I didn't."
He studied me for a beat, then nodded and returned to his plate.
I remembered Darcy. Had she gone in there while looking for the bathroom? No. I swallowed the thought. If he knew she had gone wandering, he'd never let me invite anyone over again.
"How was your day?" I asked softly.
"Splendid. Yours?" His tone was flat, detached.
"It was alright."
By the time dinner ended, I knew one thing for certain—Daniel Voss had gone back to default.