's undulating hills. The sky glowed golden as the sun descended, but Freya's thoughts were elsewhere. Even though

sole child of Mr. Taylor's first marriage-until her mother passed away. When Freya's mother passed away she was just nine years of age, it left a gap in both th

and her two younger brothers were born, and Freya's position changed once more. Although she loved her new siblings unconditionally, there

siblings, especially Ivy, were the object of her intense protectiveness. However, in the process

once bee

he ability to look past it. For a little while, Freya had given herself permission to dream of a life beyond being the obedient sister and daughter. But Freya had to make the painful decision to call it quits

y, Freya had never looked for another meaningful connection. Few people were aware of the magnitude of the sacrific

inside the Taylor estate, poring through a stack of business paperw

rm as ever, she

gaze stayed fixed on the documen

den, reflecting,"

g his eldest daughter. "You've always been like your

n of her mother always stirred something bitte

one your share of that, haven't y

ly's rock and the one who could always be relied upon to maintain order, acc

." The weight of concern in his voice was something only a father could have. "Rec

essed it explicitly, that Mr. Taylor wanted Ivy to marry well and raise the family's status even further. But Freya had never expe

wasn't sure she entirely believed it. "Sh

t so sure. She's been spending time

ed Ivy's demeanor when she believed no one was around, when she was conflicted about her emotions and the truth about Arnold and Isabella's engagement. Frey

ed, though she wasn't sure what

n softening slightly. "I trust you to d

emember. Whenever it came to putting the needs of the family before

the garden, she strolled about, enjoying the cool air and sweet fragrance of late

ll those years ago. Would she have experienced the happiness that seemed to elude her so frequently if s

ions. Even if the life she had created wasn't what she had imagined as a young lady, she had learned to be conten

would be there to catch her sister if she fell. She had always played

he opportunity to leave the confines of duty and pursue her own i