CH.27

Emmeline pushed open the door with her hip and stepped into the immaculately landscaped Blackthorn garden, which looked like something out of a magazine spread.

The late afternoon sun bathed everything in a warm, golden light, making the scene before her look almost surreal in its perfection.

A massive rectangular pool took up a large portion of the space, the crystal blue waters shimmering invitingly.

It was surrounded by sleek, modern patio furniture and lush greenery artfully arranged to feel both lavish and tranquil.

Emmeline once again felt a twinge of envy at the sheer beauty and luxury of it all.

Near the pool, a long wooden table was set up where Richard sat engaged in what seemed to be an animated conversation with a man Emmeline didn't recognize—Minnie's husband, Taehyung, she assumed.

Richard's hands were making gestures while he spoke, his face beaming with excitement. It was nice to see him so engaged, though a small part of her felt a bit left out.

A short distance away,