-I Prefer Flying Solo-

"Good morning." Verena greeted everyone in the hall. She simply went to the table and set her chair in the empty space where Louis seat would be. 

Rosie looked at her and silently apologised before she fixed her gaze on the table. The same goes for Verena. 

She just greeted him and didn't say anything until Grandpa Cian came. 

"Thank you. Everyone is here." He looked at Ajax and added, "Let's start." 

At his words, everyone started filling their plates, while Verena didn't even move her finger. She observed how Alexander wasn't present, and now Louis was also not welcome at the table. 

It somehow hurts her more than anything. The morning just started for her, and the bad news came like the winter—dryly.

"Daughter-Verena?" Grandpa's voice cut through the room, making her jump. She turned to face him, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Yes, Grandpa?" she stammered, her voice barely audible.