Chapter 39

The afternoon air felt cool as the taxi carrying Giselle stopped in front of the large gate she hadn’t seen in a long time. The black iron, adorned with ornate patterns, still stood sturdy, though its paint had begun to fade with time. Beyond it stood the grand mansion where she once lived with her father and mother.

“We’ve arrived, Miss,” the driver said.

Giselle stepped out slowly, her eyes sweeping over the spacious yard, which now looked better maintained than the last time she saw it. The scent of freshly cut grass filled the air. A few workers were tidying the garden, pausing briefly to greet her....