The morning sun filtered gently through the thick curtains of the penthouse, casting a soft glow across the polished floors.
Barry stood in front of the large bathroom mirror, a towel slung low on his hips, steam still rolling from the open shower. He ran a hand through his damp hair, his eyes steady on his reflection. That unexpected laugh last night still lingered somewhere in the back of his mind, but his features slowly hardened as if sealing it away.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Master, breakfast is ready," one of the maids said politely from the hallway.
Barry nodded once. "Good. Call Lucy."
"Yes, sir."
Down the hall, Lucy was in her room, stretching lazily as she sat up in bed. Her eyes fluttered open slowly. The air was still cool, her sheets tangled around her legs.
The
