Elara was already under the covers when she heard the door open. She didn't turn around, keeping her back to the entrance as she pretended to read her book. The soft footsteps told her that Damien had returned to their room.
She hadn't expected him to come back tonight. Not after the way he'd left with Vivienne.
The mattress dipped as Damien sat on his side of the bed. Elara kept her eyes fixed on the page, though she hadn't read a single word since he entered.
"Still working?" he asked, his voice oddly casual.
"Just reading," she replied, not looking up.
When Damien moved closer to grab his own book from the nightstand, a familiar scent wafted toward her - Vivienne's perfume. Elara stiffened, fighting the urge to recoil. The floral notes with hints of jasmine were unmistakable. Vivienne's signature scent clung to him like a second skin.