Wine and Whimsy ( 163 )

Francesca sat at her table, sipping her tea with an elegance that commanded admiration. Her warm smile remained steady, unfazed by the mention of Duke Nyxara. After all, the girl they were discussing was not just anyone—she was Francesca's best friend long before she married Garius.

She remembered those days vividly. The bond she shared with Nyxara was unshakable, built on years of trust and mutual understanding. She also recalled the promise Garius had made—how he agreed to marry Nyxara after marrying Francesca. At the time, it had seemed reasonable. Nyxara was smitten with Garius, and Francesca had no objections; she had supported the idea wholeheartedly.

And yet… Francesca's smile wavered slightly as she glanced at her husband. She didn't understand why he seemed reluctant to follow through with that promise. Was it stubbornness? Or perhaps something deeper he wasn't sharing?