Chapter 177

• Jaselyn's POV
• The rest of the evening with Carol is a blur of giggles and play. She’s my sanctuary, her innocent joy a soothing balm to my tortured heart. We draw together, the crayons creating colorful streaks on the large sheet of paper on the floor. Her laughter is the only sound in the room, and for a while, it helps me forget my pain.
• A knock on the door breaks our peace. A maid, with a polite but firm expression, announces that dinner is ready. My stomach churns at the thought of facing Rion, but I steel myself. I can’t let the maids see any cracks in our relationship. Gossip spreads like wildfire, and I don't want to give them any fuel.