Growing Soft

That night, dinner commenced with just Paige and Emily. Midway into dinner, Simon joined them. Emily had noticed the change in Paige's demeanor earlier in the day, so she didn't bother her with unnecessary discussions.

Dinner continued in silence even with Simon's presence. Emily was the first to finish eating and excused herself.

With Emily gone, Paige's discomfort grew. Since the incident at the garden, she had always avoided being alone with Simon. But the night felt different even with the presence of Sherman and some of the maids that were all standing in the room."

Paige prayed internally for them to continue eating in silence. She kept her eyes glued on her plate as she pushed a slice of vegetable into her mouth.

"Leave us." Simon finally spoke for the first time that evening.

He spoke to no one in particular but the maids, the few guards and Sherman started leaving the room. Paige shifted uncomfortably in her seat while waiting for whatever it is he was going to say.

Once