Chapter 112 —Don't Stay There

Narrator:

The garden had fallen silent. Sasha had retired with Miranda to the greenhouse, excited to show her the plants she and Aylin were caring for. Amalia had come to clear the plates as soon as they finished dessert, moving quickly and saying little.

Aylin remained seated at the table, still under the shade of the jasmine. Her hands were clasped in her lap and her gaze was lost on a spot on the lawn. Roman was a few steps away, with his back to her, lighting a cigarette that he did not intend to smoke all the way through.

“You didn't say anything during lunch,” he said, without turning around.

“I didn't have much to add.”

Roman turned around. The sun silhouetted his figure against the branches. He walked toward her, stopping beside her chair.

“Are you okay?”

Aylin looked up and gave him a small, effortless, but dull smile.

“I'm fine.”

He frowned slightly. He didn't press the issue. He sat down next to her, stretching out his legs and leaning back with