Chapter 019

The mansion, once a place of uncertain promise, had slowly begun to feel like a cage. Each day, I fought to find a sense of belonging within its grand but cold walls, but my interactions with the other residents and the underlying tensions made it feel more like a gilded prison. I had tried to stay out of everyone’s way, focusing on the small joys of daily life, but the strain was palpable.

That evening, I decided to take a walk in the garden. It had become my sanctuary, a place where I could find some semblance of peace amidst the chaos of my new life. The garden was expansive, with manicured hedges and flower beds arranged in elaborate patterns. As I strolled along the path, the scent of blooming roses and freshly cut grass filled the air, providing a temporary reprieve from the stress that had been mounting.

The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape. I paused near a stone bench, taking in the tranquility of the moment. The rustling leaves and chirp