Olivia slipped quietly from the kitchen, her footsteps quick and light as she navigated the corridors leading to her room. Once inside, she wasted no time, shedding her clothes and stepping into a hot bath. The warmth soothed her nerves, but her thoughts remained tangled. She dressed quickly in a short yellow dress with a flared bottom and a delicate floral design, something light and unassuming, yet meant to impress. After combing her hair, she dusted her face with a light powder and added a touch of gloss to her lips. As she finished, a soft knock sounded on the door.
"Olivia? Don't tell me you're just getting ready," came Devon's voice, flat and sullen.
Her heart skipped, and she hurried to open the door. Devon stood there, his expression unreadable, eyes as dull as his voice.
"You're here. Have the guests arrived?" she gestured, trying to mask her irritation with feigned innocence, pretending she hadn't already seen him arrive with them.