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“Lydia,” Brandon greets the elderly woman standing at the villa’s front door with three attendants behind her.

“I thought this wasn’t planned,” I remark, frowning at Brandon.

“Alayna, it’s great to see you again,” she greets me first, smiling so sweetly, then answers my question, “Master Brandon called us only a few hours ago.”

I hug her immediately. “I’ve missed you, too, Lydia! It’s been a long time.”

She strokes my back before releasing me. “Very well. Dinner will be served shortly, but we’ve already prepared your room. I think you should rest first,” she suggests politely. “And if you need something else, just ask the maids.”

“That’s all for now, Lydia. Thank you.” Brandon then grabs my hand. “Come.”

“I’ll see you later.” I smile at Lydia.

Brandon isn’t talking and is still tugging me along with him to the stairs, toward the room we used before. A lot has changed in the house. The bed is new, the furniture and lighting are brighter than before, and all curtains are open; I can see