Page 105 of King of Ruin

Xavier's expression shifted slightly.

For the first time since she had come downstairs, he seemed unable to immediately respond. He had clearly expected anger, questions, or even accusations, but Elise walked to him with the same patience and gentleness she had always shown him.

Before he could answer, however, Elise stepped past him.

Her attention was no longer on Xavier.

Instead, she walked toward Astrid.

The unexpected movement caused Xavier's brows to draw together slightly as he watched her approach the woman beside him.

Elise stopped in front of Astrid, her steps unhurried as she looked at the young woman standing beside Xavier. A gentle smile naturally curved her lips, and she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear before extending her hand in greeting.

"Hi. I'm Elise." Her voice was as soft and warm as ever, carrying the same kindness she showed everyone she met. "I don't know whether Xavier has told you about me or not, but—"

"He has," Astrid replied with an arrogant smile as she accepted the handshake. "He told me about you. You're the woman who was supposed to marry him, aren't you? The girl his parents forced him to date?"

Elise nodded without the slightest hesitation.

"Yes, that's me."

She withdrew her hand and folded both hands loosely in front of her, her gaze briefly shifting toward Xavier before returning to Astrid.

"But now that you're here, I suppose that won't be happening anymore." Her tone remained light and matter-of-fact, as though she were simply acknowledging an obvious change in circumstances. "You're very beautiful, by the way."

Astrid blinked, visibly surprised by the compliment.

"Thank you," she answered after a moment, studying Elise with quiet curiosity.

Xavier froze.

His fingers, which had been resting loosely against the arm of the sofa, stilled instantly. Even his breathing seemed to pause for the briefest moment as his head turned sharply toward Elise.

His dark eyes searched her face, disbelief flickering across his usually unreadable features. A faint crease formed between his brows, and his jaw slowly tightened as though he couldn't quite process what he was seeing.

Just days ago, she had looked him in the eyes and said she cared about him because he was going to be her future husband.

Her feelings had been so sincere, so unmistakably genuine, that he had never questioned them.

Then why...

Why wasn't she reacting?

Another woman had taken her place next to him.

She should have been jealous.

Upset.

At the very least, there should have been some change in her expression.

Instead, she remained quietly composed, her gaze calm as though it hadn't affected her in the slightest.

The thought struck him with unexpected force.

‘Is she no longer in love with me?’

His throat tightened.