2:00 AM.
The ride home from the masquerade ball was stiflingly silent. Olivia stared out the window, her face set in a cold, unreadable expression, while Owen, slightly intoxicated, leaned against the car door, his head lolling.
Despite the seething anger brewing in her chest from witnessing his betrayal, Olivia forced herself to endure the awkward closeness. They had arrived together, and leaving in separate cars would only invite suspicion.
When they reached the Scott Family Residence, Olivia stepped out briskly, not sparing Owen a glance as she made her way inside. The male house-help hurried to Owen's side, helping the drunken man stagger to the bedroom he shared with her.
In the bathroom, Olivia stood in front of the mirror, the vapours clinging to its surface blurring her reflection. With a swipe of her hand, she cleared the glass, revealing her own hardened gaze staring back at her.