After a moment of hesitation, Reina still couldn't bring herself to fully relax.
Even though she knew Rui had already turned away to give her privacy, her shyness lingered stubbornly.
A soft chuckle came from behind the door.
"My wife is really timid," Rui said lightly. "I'll close my eyes."
His tone wasn't teasing in a harsh way—it was warm, almost indulgent.
Reina peeked at him through the mirror, only to see him deliberately turning his back and leaning casually against the wall outside the bathroom area, giving her full space.
Only then did she finally breathe out and begin to change.
When she stepped out later, Rui was no longer in the room.
Reina blinked.
"…He left?"
A faint sense of emptiness flickered through her before she quickly dismissed it.
She walked down the hallway and into the main living area.
Immediately, several maids noticed her.
"Good morning, Madam Griffin," they greeted respectfully.
The title made Reina pause mid-step.
Madam… Griffin.
It still didn't feel real.
She gave a small, awkward nod, unsure what expression she was supposed to wear.
"Chef Wan," she asked gently, "where is he?"
The chef stepped forward respectfully.
"Master Griffin has gone to the company early this morning. Breakfast has been prepared for you, Madam."
"…I'll eat first then," she said after a pause.
As she sat at the long dining table, she could feel subtle glances from the staff.
Not rude.
Just curious.
Observing.
Reina lowered her gaze slightly, focusing on the neatly arranged breakfast in front of her.
It felt strange.
Just a few days ago, she had been alone—no home, no place to belong.
Now she was sitting in a grand estate, addressed as the wife of Rui Griffin.
A man everyone in the household clearly respected… even feared a little.
One maid—Lula—quietly placed a dish near her, stealing a quick glance before stepping back.
Reina noticed but said nothing.
Instead, she quietly took a sip of tea.
Warm.
Steady.
Real.
In the background, the staff exchanged small, subtle looks.
So this was the new Madam.
The one who had managed to stand beside him.
The one who had entered the Griffin household so suddenly… yet already belonged here in name.
Reina wasn't unaware of their curiosity.
But for the first time, she didn't feel overwhelmed by it.
She simply sat a little straighter.
And continued eating.