Chapter 41: Hidden Under A Table

Rays of sunlight cast on the Duke's mansion and shimmered through the curtains of Aylin's room—hitting Dahlia on the face.

She stirred and slowly opened her eyes, momentarily disoriented by her unfamiliar surroundings. It took a few seconds for her memory to catch up, and she remembered that she had fallen asleep on the couch in Her Lady's room while keeping watch over her.

Sitting up, Dahlia scanned the room, her eyes widening in alarm when she realized that Aylin was not in bed.

Alarmed, Dahlia stood up and hurriedly searched every corner of the room, hoping to catch a glimpse of her lady. The room felt empty, and anxiety gnawed at her as she couldn't find any trace of Aylin. Just as worry began to consume her, two maids entered the room, carrying cleaning supplies.

"Have you seen Lady Aylin?" Dahlia asked them, her voice laced with urgency.

The maids exchanged puzzled glances before one of them spoke up. "No, we haven't seen her this morning. Isn't she still sleeping?"