Settling Into the Role

Elara had never felt more out of place in her life.

The sprawling Blackwood mansion, with its towering ceilings and lavish decor, was a far cry from the modest apartment she had called home for years. As she stood in the grand lobby, taking in the marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and priceless art adorning the walls, she couldn’t help but feel like an intruder in someone else’s world.

“This way, Mrs. Blackwood,” a stern-faced butler uttered, motioning for her to follow him up the sweeping staircase.

Mrs. Blackwood. The title still felt foreign, like a role she was playing in someone else’s life. She wondered how long it would take before the name stopped sounding so strange.

The butler led her to a suite of rooms at the far end of the second floor. “This will be your private space,” he explained as he opened the double doors, revealing a luxurious sitting room connected to a spacious bedroom. “If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you,” Elara replied, trying