Chapter 016

POV: Hayley

The days following Sky’s apology were a whirlwind of emotions and newfound resolve. Each day seemed to blend into the next as I navigated the complexities of my new life, trying to adjust to a world where I felt both a part of and apart from. The mansion’s opulent interiors and the strained interactions with Sky’s family only added to the emotional burden I was carrying.

I had taken Sky’s words to heart. His promise to support me and prove his commitment wasn’t something I could easily dismiss. Yet, despite his reassurances, the reality of living in a household where I was treated as an outsider was taking its toll. The mansion’s grandeur felt like a gilded cage, beautiful yet suffocating.

This resolve to adapt and find my place had taken root in me, slowly but surely. The garden had become my sanctuary, a place where I could think and gather my thoughts away from the prying eyes and judgmental gazes. Every morning, I would find a quiet corner by the fountain, where the so