Chapter 78

• Dominic closed the balcony door, shutting out the biting wind and the darkness of the night. He stood before Valarie, his eyes locked on hers, but she refused to meet his gaze. Her eyes were fixed on some point beyond his shoulder, her expression a mask of indifference.
• "Well, what is madness, Valarie?" Dominic asked, in a low, urgent whisper to the other. "Why hurt yourself? Then punish me if you want to. But stop all this nonsense. A little bit more of this and you'll land up sick, standing in the cold and refusing to eat."
• Then, a maid walked in, formerly with another food tray, her eyes darting between Dominic and Valarie. Dominic collected the tray from her and walked towards Valarie while his eyes pleaded with her to eat something.