So sad

Vespera waited all day at home, but Alaric didn't call, text, or come to see her. In reality, Alaric had just gotten up to eat, waited for the housekeeper to clean his room, and then went back to sleep for the rest of the day.

While changing the sheets, the housekeeper noticed small bloodstains. These sheets would have to be thrown away; someone as particular as Alaric would never sleep on them again. And so, the only evidence of that night ended up in the trash outside.

Gossip spread among the staff, though. They said Alaric had brought a girl home last night, and that wedding bells might be in the air. After all, in all these years, Alaric had never brought a woman home to stay the night. Vespera was the first – this must be true love!

The next day, Alaric woke up intending to return Vespera's purse. But then he got a message from his family about some business trouble, asking him and his brother to come home. It was perfect timing, as Mrs. Strider was ready to go home too. She hadn