That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the estate, Enrico returned home. The grand doors opened to reveal Enrico, his demeanor as composed and cold as ever, though there was a subtle tension in his movements, a reflection of the stressful day he had endured.
As was customary, Alma and the other maids were waiting to greet him. Their posture was respectful, heads slightly bowed, as they acknowledged their master’s return. Alma, however, couldn’t help but notice something unusual—Carmen was not with him. The absence of the usually clingy and talkative woman was glaring, and though Alma knew better than to pry into matters that were beyond her station, her curiosity was piqued.
Enrico handed off his coat to one of the maids, his expression unreadable.
