Chapter 3 - Sanctuary in the East WingI left the study and walked swiftly down the long, dimly lit corridor toward the staff quarters in the east wing. The mansion was too quiet. Every shadow cast by the antique wall sconces felt heavier than it had ten minutes ago.
When I reached Anna and Lily’s apartment, the door was cracked open an inch.
Inside, Anna was kneeling on the floor, gently bandaging Lily’s knee with a roll of sterile gauze while the little girl clutched her battered stuffed rabbit to her chest. They didn't hear me approach until my shadow fell across the threshold.
Anna looked up instantly, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and defensive maternal instinct. She scrambled to stand, shielding Lily behind her.
“Mr. Moretti,” Anna said, her voice trembling. “If... if we broke a rule, I’ll pack our bags tonight. We can leave. Just please don't—circulate our names to anyone else.”
“You didn't break anything, Anna,” I said, softening my tone—something I rarely did for anyone outside my inner circle. I walked into the small, immaculate room, taking care not to crowd them. “Evelyn is gone. She won't be managing this estate anymore.”
Anna stared at me, dumbfounded. “Gone? Where?”
“She made poor choices,” I said simply. Then I looked down at Lily, who was peeking out from behind her mother’s skirt, her big solemn eyes fixed on my face. “And as for that threshold in the kitchen... a contractor is coming tomorrow morning. We’re tearing out the marble and putting in a flush ramp. No more scratches.”
Lily’s eyes widened. She slowly lowered her rabbit, looking up at her mother as if performing magic.
“Really?” Lily whispered.
“Really,” I said, offering a rare, faint smile. “And you won’t have to apologize to anyone for walking in my house.”
May you like
Anna covered her mouth with her hand, a single tear spilling over her lashes. “Thank you, Mr. Moretti. I... I don't know what to say.”
“Don't say anything,” I replied, turning toward the door. “Just get some rest. Tomorrow, everything changes.”
