The hardest part wasn't sneaking out to Alejandro's cottage at night...it was sneaking back in at dawn. The mansion's corridors seemed to stretch endlessly in the early hours, and Diana lived in constant fear of being caught.
One morning, as she crept through the garden toward the side door, she nearly ran into the head housekeeper, Mrs. Alvarez. The older woman frowned, her sharp eyes scanning Diana's rumpled dress and disheveled hair.
"Up early, Miss Castillo?" Mrs. Alvarez asked, her tone polite but laced with curiosity.
Diana forced a smile, clutching her shawl tighter around her. "Couldn't sleep," she lied, hoping her flushed cheeks didn't betray her.
The housekeeper's gaze lingered for a moment before she nodded and continued on her way. Diana exhaled in relief but knew the close call wouldn't be the last.
