章 40: The allure of Scandal 2

ELIJAH'S POV

I woke with a start, my arm instinctively sweeping across the bed. The sheets were cold and empty. Imogen's absence brought a mixture of relief and irritation. Again, I had no idea why I cared that she wasn't there.

I sat up, rubbing my eyes and glancing at the clock. 8:30 AM. She was usually still in bed at this hour when she had her own her room.

It seemed like she was avoiding me.

Shrugging on my robe, I made my way downstairs. The smell of cooking filled the air, and I found Maggie at the stove, humming to herself.

"Morning, Maggie," I said, my voice still rough with sleep. "Where's Imogen?"

Maggie turned, surprise flickering across her face. "Good morning, sir. Mistress Imogen left around 5 AM. She didn't say where she was going."