By four in the morning, the La Roche mansion was still awake.
Anne moved briskly through the halls, supervising the maids as they completed the long list of instructions Thea had given before finally going to sleep. Flowers were rearranged. Tableware was replaced. Curtains were changed. Even the lighting in the dining room had been adjusted—softer, warmer.
The servants exchanged uneasy glances.
When Thea instructed the chef to prepare only chicken and beef dishes, murmurs immediately spread through the kitchen. Everyone knew the young miss despised her fiancé. Some feared she was planning another public embarrassment—worse, a cruel trick.
Yet no one dared question her.
Not Anne.
But when Anne entered the kitchen later that morning, she froze.
There, standing calmly at the counter, was Thea.
Not shouting.Not complaining.Not ordering others around.
She was cooking.
Her movements were smooth and practiced—knife gliding through vegetables with precise rhythm, meat sliced evenly, oil heating to the perfect temperature before ingredients were added. She stirred the pan confidently, steam rising around her like something straight out of a culinary show.
Anne's heart skipped.
This… isn't my young miss.
Her worry spiked. Thea hated this engagement. What if she had added something to the food? Something subtle. Something dangerous.
"Anne," Thea said gently, noticing her hesitation. "Taste this."
Anne's hands trembled slightly as she accepted the spoon.
One bite—
Her eyes widened.
It was delicious.
Perfectly seasoned. Balanced. Warm.
Anne exhaled slowly, her worry easing into confusion.
Since the disastrous birthday incident, Anne had noticed the changes. Thea returned to the mansion with a calm expression. She didn't scream when told her parents wouldn't attend the engagement meeting. She didn't throw a single tantrum.
The servants were stunned.
Anne wasn't.
She had known Thea since she was five years old.
Before the world broke her.
Before her mother died. Before her father remarried. Before attention slipped away and jealousy crept in. Back then, Thea had been gentle—quietly affectionate, especially with Anne.
Seeing traces of that girl again made Anne's chest ache.
Now, as Thea sat before her vanity mirror, Anne carefully brushing her long hair, she smiled softly.
"You truly shocked me earlier, Young Miss," Anne said, still amazed. "I never knew you could cook. Where did you learn that? You've never stepped into the kitchen before."
Thea stiffened—just slightly.
Then laughed nervously.
"Oh… you know me," she said quickly. "I browse the web a lot. I must've watched a few cooking videos here and there. I didn't even realise I had talent."
She laughed again, a little too brightly.
Anne accepted the answer without question.
"I always knew you were brilliant," Anne said proudly. "A true La Roche."
Thea smiled—but looked away.
Please stop flattering me, Anne.
"I'm done," Anne announced happily. "You look gorgeous, Young Miss."
For the first time, Anne had been allowed to choose Thea's outfit.
A pale blue, knee-length dress hugged her figure elegantly—soft, refined, understated. Her hair fell in gentle curls, framing her face naturally.
Thea barely recognised herself.
She had once worn loud colours simply to provoke her father and grandfather. Today, she wore something that made her feel… calm.
"Thank you, Anne," she said sincerely.
"The General will be stunned," Anne declared proudly.
Thea smiled.
"He will be," she said softly. "But not because of my beauty."
Anne laughed. "Oh, Miss, I'd bet my life on it."
Their laughter was interrupted by a knock.
Anne opened the door to find Butler Alfred holding a tea tray.
"We didn't order tea," Anne said, confused. "The young miss will dine with the master."
Alfred ignored her and stepped forward.
"You may feel nervous meeting someone unfamiliar, Young Miss," he said stiffly. "This tea will help you relax."
Thea studied him carefully before replying.
"Thank you, Alfred. Please leave it there."
"Yes, Miss."
Before leaving, she asked calmly, "Has the visitor arrived?"
"Yes. General Warton is with Master Thomas in the study. You'll be called shortly."
When the door closed, Anne lingered near it, frowning.
Thea crossed her arms, teasing."Anne, what's with that look? I thought you and Alfred had something."
Anne shook her head quickly. "No. But he's been strange lately. Always on the phone. The day you were discharged… I heard him shouting. That was the first time I ever heard him angry."
"That is strange," Thea murmured.
"But Alfred has no family," Anne added. "Your father recruited him after Lady Cassandra passed."
Interesting.
Thea patted Anne's shoulder, smiling."You seem to watch him closely. Are you sure he's not your type?"
Anne rolled her eyes, but smiled.
Another knock sounded.
"Young Miss," Alfred announced, "the General is now in the living room. Master Thomas requests your presence."
Thea and Anne exchanged a small, excited look.
Thea inhaled slowly.
Erick…
She straightened her posture, her smile soft but controlled.
Here I come.