cking up the last of our belongings while Mom flitted around, giving instructions and checking

t wouldn't last. He was waiting, biding his time, and that

k, Mom clapped her hands together. "Alri

le and nodded.

y mother couldn't stop gushin

r eyes gleaming with excitement. "No more struggling, no more

so caught up in her dreams of wealth that she didn'

rt's sprawling mansion, my stomach twisted, the

tain stood proudly in the circular driveway, water cascading from the sculpture of two swans e

ready waiting, moving swif

eted my mother with a polite nod.

as lady of the house. "Thank you," she said grandly

my suitcase, but my feet c

ri

teps slow and deliberate, wearing not

chest, the way the dim light cast shadows over his defin

subtle but u

awled, his voice drip

gers tightening around t

going to

miled at him. "Chris, dear, you'

e as he smirked. "Why wouldn't I

gripping my suitc

nightmare. And it h

father?" my

." Chris replied. "Show them to their rooms."

ng from the ceiling, delicate curtains framed the tall windows, and the bed itself felt like it belonged to royalty. It was nothing like what I was used t

my mind already drifting where

back in. And now, we were under the same roof. I closed my eyes, memories of that night creeping in against my wi

ead. No. It

very clear. And judging by the smug way he looked a

the door ma

r side. "Dinner will be served soon. Your mother

down the emotions swirling in

n the mirror. My face was unreadable, b

to be harder

he room, adorned with elegant candles, fine china, and an array of dishes so elaborate I didn't even know where to start. Servan

, it became clear why. She had everything she ever wanted-wealth, status, and the man who could provide it all. Her smile wa

e to ignore. He leaned back lazily in his chair, looking completely at ease, as if he owned the place. Every now and then,