Everything feels like it's spiraling out of control, Anna sighed to herself as she lazily combed her soft blonde hair. First Gabriel, now William… I don't even know what's happening anymore. Maybe it's better if I just stay away from men altogether. Smile at Will when I see him, play my part when I have to. That was the original agreement, wasn't it?
She looked at her reflection in the mirror, frowning at the dark shadows under her eyes.
I'm slipping back into the old me—exhausted, drained. I didn't sleep a wink last night, haunted by William's outburst. Somewhere along the line, we must have blurred the lines between us. I leaned too much on his warmth, let myself take comfort in his promises to help me forget. Maybe… maybe it's time to stop all that.
A knock echoed on her bedroom door, followed by the butler's polite voice."Miss Dumas?"
"Yes, come in," Anna called back, clearing her throat as she set the brush down on her vanity.
