Chapter 18

Morning light pooled into the bedroom windows, golden and soft, spilling over the empty side of the bed. Regina's fingers trailed over the smooth, untouched sheets. Cold. Unwrinkled.

Daniel hadn't come to bed.

She already knew that before opening her eyes, but seeing the proof of it still stung. It was a petty thing, a ridiculous thing, but it clawed at her insides nonetheless.

She exhaled sharply and threw the covers off, standing with jerky movements. The floor was cool beneath her bare feet as she stormed towards the closet, yanking out the first dress she saw.

It wasn't like she cared.

It wasn't like it mattered.

But it did.

Damn it, it did.

She shoved the dress on, barely glancing at herself in the mirror before heading downstairs. The mansion was quiet and it irritated her more than it should have.