As soon as they were alone, Oliver turned to the young woman beside him with a gentle smile.

“Tell me, dear, how is married life?”

“We’re fine. John is very busy, but we make the most of the moments we have together,” Elizabeth said, not lying. That was why she looked away, uncomfortable.

“I see…” murmured the old man, his experienced eyes closely observing every nuance of her expression.

On the table lay a beautiful chessboard. The hand-carved pieces glistened in the soft light. Elizabeth rem