The mansion felt strangely full that evening, even though the head of the Ramsy family and his two granddaughters were still absent. Servants moved quietly through the halls, carrying trays, adjusting the temperature, and straightening small details as if trying to compensate for the tension hanging over everyone.
Before the dinner officially began, the Ramsys, except for Willow, had come back into the main house. Fortunately, Aria and Albert arrived before the distant relatives who sported stiff greetings and curious eyes toward Darcy. The living room lights were warm, bright enough to feel welcoming, but not bright enough to erase the tension.
Micah walked out of the kitchen with Elina in silence after she insisted she was fine. Her eyes were still red around the edges, but no longer swollen. She pushed a few loose strands of hair behind her ear and forced a smile whenever someone looked her way.
