As Mila returned to her family's estate in the capital, she found the atmosphere markedly different from when she had left.
The estate buzzed with activity, bustling with servants hurrying to and for, attending to the myriad tasks that needed to be completed.
The air was alive with anticipation, for the much-awaited event of the secret bride selection for the second prince's faction was imminent.
Mila's stepsister, whom she held a complicated relationship with, was the one chosen to represent the family instead of her.
Mila hadn't encountered Lorene for the past few days since she arrived back home.
Despite sharing the same estate, their paths seemed to diverge more than intersect as each pursued their own endeavors.
Word had spread throughout the household of Lorene's tireless preparation for the upcoming secret bride selection event.
