Pain tore through Penelope's chest as tears streamed down her face, each drop landing on her trembling hands.
Serena took one look at her mistress and knew exactly what had happened.
Having served Penelope since they were both children, Serena had followed her into marriage with Jasper, her loyalty never wavering.
Now that Penelope had lost Jasper's favor, Serena's own standing in the household hung by a thread.
"My Lady, it's not too late," Serena said softly. "Lord Jasper will come to his senses."
But Penelope continued weeping, deaf to her maid's consoling words.
"My Lady, remember—you have Dominic. He's your anchor. With a son at your side, why fret over Lord Jasper?" Serena pressed gently.
Love remained the most mysterious force of all.
Especially when it came to noblemen from powerful families like Jasper.
Even if Jasper cared for Penelope now, who could promise he'd still feel the same when age stole her beauty?
