It was truly water under the bridge.

Elise knew Victoria had invested a fortune in Sophia. There was no way Victoria would let Sophia enjoy all those perks for free.

The moment Sophia accepted Victoria's grace was the moment her real nightmare began.

Elise felt no sympathy. She lowered her phone.

A shadow fell over her.

She recognized his presence even before looking up. That familiar scent. William had been staying with her for days, occupying the room next door.

His wedding date was announced, yet here he was, away from his fiancée.

Elise could only imagine the fury simmering within Victoria right now.

"Lunch is ready," William said, his tone mild.

Surprisingly, these past few days had been peaceful. No confrontations. No flirtations. Just two people coexisting.

They maintained a careful distance, neither crossing the invisible line between them.

Elise followed William into the dining room. They ate together.

His phone vibrated incessantly on the table.

"You should get that," Elise said.

It was obviously Victoria calling. She called every day since Elise arrived here.

Victoria was clever about it. She only called during mealtimes. She knew if Elise was with William, they would be eating together. It was a deliberate move to remind Elise of her presence.

Elise wanted to tell Victoria it was unnecessary. Whatever was between her and William didn't affect Elise that much.

William rose to take the call.

He didn't go far, but kept his voice low.

Elise made no effort to eavesdrop. Their conversations were likely just routine couple talk.

William returned after hanging up. He was silent for a long moment.

"I have to go out later," he finally said. "I won't be back for dinner."

"Okay," Elise replied.

"I'll prepare something for you before I leave."

"Don't bother. Your cooking isn't that great anyway," she said bluntly.

He had been cooking all her meals for days. His enthusiasm was commendable, but his skills were mediocre.

William stared at her.

She added flatly, "I'd like to eat something different for a change. Aren't there other chefs in this mansion?"

"There are," William acknowledged.

He nodded slowly. "I understand."

An uncomfortable silence settled between them. Elise could feel his disappointment.

She was grateful to William for saving her life. Truly.

But their current situation was awkward. Their respective statuses made any real connection impossible.

William left in the afternoon. He was dressed formally.

Elise assumed it was some important dinner engagement.

She ate alone that evening.

Finally, she wasn't eating William's cooking.

The food was expertly prepared. Delicious. Yet somehow, it felt like something was missing.

This is why one should never get too accustomed to routines. Dependence creeps in unnoticed.

She was taking her time with dessert when her phone screen lit up.

A WhatsApp message from Victoria.

No text. Just a photo.

Victoria was leaning against William's shoulder, smiling sweetly for the camera.