Chapter 32

“Darling, come here!”

I rose from my seat the second Aiden called out to me. All morning I had been a bundle of nerves, to the point where I could barely sit still. The fact that he had woken me up before the rooster even crowed didn't help matters any, and it only heightened my apprehension. Still, despite my trepidation, I was determined to do what was asked of me.

“Y-yes?”

I cautiously made my way to the living room as instructed by him, and when I arrived at my destination, I was taken aback when I realized that there was someone else present in the room. In addition to him, there was another man standing in the corner. The stranger had an unfamiliar face but one that didn't quite thaw my nerves. Anxiety surged through me as he welcomed me with a slight nod of his head; any chilliness in his demeanor seemed unnecessary considering why we were all gathered.

“Darling, this is Bent. He's a master in the art of cosmetics and has gained a formidable reputation around the world. His ski