At the villa…
Ding-Dong…
Esme hurried to open the door.
"Oh, God, Esme… Are you okay?" Adelynn asked as soon as she saw her friend. She reached out, her hands firm yet gentle as they grasped Esme's shoulders, searching her face for answers. "Why did you call me so urgently?
"Come in and calm down first." Esme invited her in and took her to the hall.
As Adelynn settled down on the sofa, she curiously asked, "You didn't tell me why you called me!"
Esme didn't respond instantly. She offered her a glass of water and sat down beside her. "I'm scared, Adel," she confessed. "I don't feel beautiful anymore. What if Silas doesn't find me attractive?"
"En?" Adelynn nearly choked on the water, her surprise causing a sputter. "Esme? Explain yourself! Why did you say that?"
