Bab 572: Peculiar grievance.

As the night wore on, the guests began to say their goodbyes and make their way home. The ballroom gradually emptied, leaving only a handful of people still lingering. Alexander and Julia were among those who stayed behind, seeking a quieter spot to enjoy their dinner. They settled at a table near the edge of the room, where they could watch the last of the revelers without being disturbed.

At first, everything seemed normal. Alexander chatted animatedly about the evening's events, regaling Julia with tales of the various guests and their antics. But as the minutes ticked by, he began to notice that his wife was not her usual self. She seemed distant; her responses were brief and forced. Her eyes kept drifting away from him, focusing instead on some point beyond his shoulder.

Sensing that something was wrong, Alexander leaned forward, concern etched across his face. "What's going on?" he asked quietly. "Why are you so upset?"