Chapter 113

The first light of dawn crept across the horizon, pale morning rays filtering through the window and gently illuminating Thalia’s haggard, ashen face. She had remained slumped by the window all night, until dawn finally lulled her into a fitful sleep. Her rest was fragmented, haunted by dreams of Asher, each jolting her awake.

In her final dream, she saw Asher and Laurina standing before her, hands intertwined. His eyes sparkled with joy, his face radiating happiness as he announced his impending marriage and invited her to the wedding. Thalia wept in her dream, and woke with tears still staining her cheeks.

Mary knocked softly from the hallway. “Miss Winters, are you awake? Lunch is ready.”

Thalia wiped away her tears and opened the door. “Mary, please go ahead without me. I need to shower and change.”

Mary’s eyes lingered on Thalia’s exhaustion and the dark shadows under her eyes. “Miss Winters, did you not sleep well last night?” she asked, concern evident in her voice. Unaware of Asher’s rumored affair or the dissolved engagement, Mary simply believed they were in a relationship, Mr. Blackwood having specifically instructed her to care for Miss Winters. Seeing Thalia’s condition, she couldn't help but express her concern.

Thalia, utterly spent after only five hours of interrupted sleep, replied, “I’m perfectly fine, nothing to worry about.”

The housekeeper didn’t press further. “Right, you go have your shower then. I’ll keep everything warm.”

“That’s very kind, thank you.”

“Not at all, Miss. Just doing my job.”

As Mary descended the stairs, Thalia closed the door and slid to the floor, leaning against it. Her phone displayed numerous missed calls and unread messages. She scrolled through them; nothing from Asher.

She hadn’t eaten since yesterday morning, and after a sleepless night, felt utterly drained, her face deathly pale. Leaning against the door, her fingers grew numb around her phone. A call came through—Randolph. Remembering his offer to send a car, she answered.

His voice was gentle and deep, carrying the concern of a father. “Thalia, how are you holding up? Have you been eating and sleeping properly?”

Thalia’s nose stung, her eyelashes dampening. “I’m fine, nothing serious,” she replied, her voice hoarse.

Randolph paused. He knew she was lying. Her weak, listless voice betrayed her exhaustion and lack of sleep.

He sighed internally, his heart aching. After composing himself, he said, “Thalia, the press conference concluded this morning. We’ve officially announced the dissolution of the engagement. I’ve sent a car to collect you. Once you’ve had lunch, please come home.”

Thalia managed only a weak “Mmm.”

“Go have your lunch then. I’ll speak to you later.” Knowing she needed space, Randolph ended the call.

Thalia sat for some time before dragging her exhausted body to the bathroom, moving like a hollow shell.

Downstairs, Mary dialed Asher’s number—a private number he’d given her for updates on Thalia.

“Mr. Blackwood, it’s Mary. Miss Winters’ state has been concerning since yesterday. She didn’t touch her dinner or breakfast. When I called her, she looked dreadful—dark circles under her eyes, as though she hadn’t slept at all.”

Asher remained silent for a moment, his voice rough when he spoke: “Try to get her to eat something.”

“I’ve prepared her favorites. She’ll come down after her shower,” Mary replied. “Miss Winters really doesn’t look well. Would you like to come see her?”

Asher’s voice betrayed his exhaustion. “No. Someone will be coming to take her home today.”

“Oh, I see. Very well then.”

After her shower, Thalia came downstairs. Mary brought her favorite dishes. “Miss Winters, you must be famished. Do try to eat.”

“Thank you,” Thalia replied weakly, her eyelids heavy, her head throbbing.

“Please enjoy your meal. I’ll tidy up the kitchen.”

Thalia had no appetite. She took a few sips of soup and checked her phone. Still nothing from Asher. Mary had mentioned his instructions to report any issues immediately. He must know her condition, then. Why the silence? Had he truly stopped caring? A bitter emptiness filled her gaze.

At the Winters estate, Lucy rushed to her. “Thalia, you’re finally home! I’ve missed you terribly!”

Thalia forced a smile and stroked her sister’s head. “I’m back to keep you company now.”

“Brilliant!” Lucy smiled.

Victoria stood nearby, concern in her eyes. “Thalia, are you all right?”

“I’m fine.”

Victoria didn’t press further. “We’ve kept your room as you left it. Why don’t you go rest?”

“Yes, I will.”

“Thalia, I’ll come with you!” Lucy said, holding Thalia’s hand.

“Lucy, Thalia is exhausted and needs to rest. Why don’t I stay with you instead?” Victoria suggested gently.

Lucy pouted. “No! Thalia’s been gone for ages, and I want her to play with me.”

Victoria spoke patiently: “Be a good girl, Lucy. Thalia is home now, and you can see her anytime. Let her rest first.”

Lucy looked at Thalia. “Thalia, why do you have dark circles under your eyes?”

Thalia replied listlessly, “Didn’t sleep well.”

Lucy stopped insisting. “Then you should go sleep first. You can play with me after you wake up.”

“That’s my good girl.”

Thalia’s head throbbed, her eyes dry and irritated, her body completely spent. She climbed the stairs with unsteady steps.