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The Illusion of Us

Author: Sarah Ovvens
last update Last Updated: 2024-11-14 22:15:39

The car slowly came to a stop outside the gates of Villa Azzura, its tires crunching over the gravel driveway.

Calla peered out the window, her heart pounding as she took in the villa that was to be her new home. It was a charming, modest house tucked into the hills, far removed from the grandeur she had left behind at her brother’s estate.

The villa wasn’t the kind of luxury she had expected—there were no marble floors or expansive halls, no gold accents or crystal chandeliers. It was simple, with a warm, rustic feel that made it look well-loved but not extravagant. The kind of home that felt like it had stories to tell in its creaky floors and soft, weathered furniture.

As they approached the front door, Drake’s hand, firm and steady on her arm, helped her out of the car. His presence felt distant like a shadow lingering just beyond her reach.

She had imagined this moment for so long—the moment she would finally be with Drake, in the place where they would start their life together.
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