55

it is as if he waits for me to fall asleep before slipping away!

Staring at the ceiling, I am not truly seeing anything interesting. Then, I hear heavy footsteps ascending the stairs. I know it is not Diana; her steps are light and unhurried, and she wouldn't be here so late at night.

I hold my breath, refraining from making any noise that might disrupt my hearing. The footsteps draw closer to the door, and the next sound is the slow turn of the doorknob. I gaze at the door, anticipation building in the quiet of the night.

In this moment, I realize that my day has been dull since the moment I woke up. From the first minute of the day, I had to make choices for the Spring Festival. Meanwhile, my mind was preoccupied with the impending arrival of Vallen and Daniel. In other words, I have not had peace throughout the day.

I had lunch without someone needling me from across the table. I took a shower alone. I sat and made choices befitting the queen that I am. But none of it left me truly