When Elaine woke up the next morning, she found herself sitting in her desolate room, gazing at the flat sheets on the other side of the bed, feeling a sense of disorientation.
Sherman had not returned all night, leaving her in a state of uncertainty.
However, this sense of loss was soon surpassed by a deeper melancholy as her thoughts were consumed by the king's unwavering decree that Sherman was to be engaged to Olivia after last night's events.
The mere thought of it caused a piercing pain in her heart.
Elaine dragged herself out of bed and wearily made her way to the sink to brush her teeth.
Just then, a soft knock came at the door, followed by Cheryl's voice. "Elaine, are you okay? I made some freshly baked cranberry cookies for you. I thought you might like them."