heavily, as if she had been running. She was clam

sheets, running a hand into her messy hair. Her gaze focused on the still warm ashes of the fireplace in fron

rom her computer calle

d, and made herself presentable before going down

aid with a smile, ent

eeted her, raising his head f

itely, as she went to sit on the c

replied. "The bed is very s

was starting to doubt that the man in front of

the room. It was almost 10.00am. "You've already had b

Then realization hit him: she had not. "But please, b

d, standing up from the couch. "So, have you

oking up at her. "They were all so kind

he best smile she could manage. "I'll be right ba

ly after, a full pl

d, watching her sit cross-legged in her spot

y able to cook much else. But don't you dare tell anyone. It's a secret. Understand

h a fork." He muttered, gi

am." She

burst into

my mouth shut. I promise." He sai

She asked, nodding to the book that Oswald had p

replied. "It's a ghost story, apparen

le Ghost." She

sunned look on his face

y already read them all." She told him. "And

minded him of how she was forced to live locked up in that house, a wonderful house of cou

ur," he had to stop, not really knowing how to addr

asked him, raising

about your health's prob

saw pure rage in the girl's eyes, and a darkness tha

e looked back to him, with a grin on her l

er as a toy in her game, and B

to upset you. I shouldn't have

y scare by her changed behavior, which made Brooke real

. It's all right." She interrupte

ot mad at me?

bigger. "Why would I be? It's not your

at much in years. It took the man a while to unwind and open up to

came from: she had read and heard many stories about him, but the character depicted in those stories was totally the opposite of the man she was beginning to know. Liar, manipu

a v-neck. She matched it with her mother's necklace. It was a simple jewel, a little bright diamond attached to a white gold chain. Brooke was very fond o

ery night. And the shoes hurt. For that reason, she often used the excuse of the health issue, which her dear stepmo

to welcome Oswald into the family. And she certainly could not leave her only frie

as the last to arrive. Brooke gulped heavily, greeted the guest of honor and made her way t

y richly decorated, with a prestigious

each took one. Brooke also went to get her

o thank you all for your generosity. You have welcomed Oswald into our family with open arms and

n turn. "Uh, you guys have made me the happiest man on the planet. I am so Grateful. I love you all

m Elijah's side, bringing

ed her, together wit

hange of smiles. Sasha even kissed Oswald's cheek, who t

canned the room in search of Brooke. He found her in the corner of the room. She smiled at him and slightly raised the glass, nodd

lly seemed to be a good person, fragile and in need of affection. From the glitter in his eyes, Brooke could've tell that the man believed he had fin

on was called back by Elijah, wh

ng room, my dear." He t

onse and started t

t her with frowned eyebrows. She seemed to be surprised by his q

lied, keeping a

ake his place at the head of the table. Brooke, on

ns." She though

val, Brooke's life had improved mo

ictly necessary, had begun to be seen outside more often. She had rediscovered her love for the library, where it was easier to find her, but she no lo

ing for him more and more often. The two became close very quickly, which did not go unnoticed by the other family members. And if Elijah wa