he House Tha

silence that only surrounded places that had once brimmed with life. Sprawling over five acres of manicured lawns, cascading gardens, an

at would be handed over to their only daughter when the time came. It was written in their will, inked with pride and sealed with love. And yet, just

ter and warmth, had turned into

at-but alone. The wedding that had once been a joyous collaboration between two loving families now proceeded under the shadow o

lingered in her bones, especially t

m was broken by his warm, steady voice. "You had an amazing family," he said gently, his gaze sweep

n't answer

hat would you say if he ever asks

not the type. We both signed the contract. It's mu

few feet away and saluted briefly. The property looked eerily empty. Da

isioned this kind of solitude. We agreed on how we'd li

ntrance, she tapped the digit

ai

ag

. "This is stupidity. Why c

ugh. "Did your husb

would do that

she was about to try again. "Try us

I remember the day I n

Damien leaned over and

ic

ck dis

n more breathtaking than she remembered. A seamless blend of classic elegance and modern minimalism, it was the kind of h

ow. "Your husband

"I don't deserve that title-not after what happe

Damien promised, though the mi

ek kitchen nearby. "W

nstead," she said, already

mething up," he

orted. "You were a ter

t as an excuse to avoi

. As she turned, she nearly collided with him, t

stumbled, and

lass

hatt

e f

ed onto hers, and she

nd of hair from her face. "If you don't want what's here, I'll go

tunned by the sudden g

nd and set her on the counter whi

possible,"

e one who d

re always so

a cake then. Since yo

emembe

verything," s

ring a simple dinner and sweet conversation. F

e, she stood up. "Tha

yti

glanced back. "Pick any of the five gu

nd, Queen Sophia," he sai

idn't sleep in th

but the view was captivating-right over the pool and garden,

d slipped beneath the plush sheets. The scent of home surrounded

ed at th

h had

he wa

place her pa

hat grief had turne

be... a place where

f Cha