BACK TO REALITY

The drive back to the estate was subdued, the hum of the car's engine filling the silence between Mark and me. I stared out the window, watching the scenery blur into streaks of muted autumn colours. My thoughts lingered on the Galloways—their warmth, their ease. It was strange how much I'd enjoyed being around them despite our exhausting charade.

On the other hand, Mark seemed lost in his own world, his jaw tight and his gaze fixed straight ahead. His usual stoicism had returned in full force after the flight, a stark contrast to the almost-human side of him I'd glimpsed during this morning.

When we arrived, Edward was waiting for us in his study, his expression unreadable but his posture relaxed.

"Welcome back," he said, motioning for us to sit. I trust everything went well."

Mark leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "The Galloways were happy," he said, his tone sharp and direct. "That's all that matters."