Chapter Nine

Amelia walked through the grand halls of the Sterling mansion, her steps cautious yet filled with a newfound sense of freedom. With Ethan away on a business trip, she finally felt a moment of respite, an opportunity to explore the vast estate that had become her new home.

Amelia wandered through the sprawling gardens of the Sterling mansion, seeking solace amidst the gentle rustle of leaves and fragrant blooms. As she strolled along a winding path, lost in her thoughts, she noticed Raymond sitting on a stone bench, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. Intrigued by his pensive demeanor, she hesitated for a moment before deciding to approach him.

Raymond looked up from his reverie and caught sight of Amelia. A soft smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and he gestured for her to join him on the bench. "Amelia," he said warmly, "please, sit with me for a while. It's a beautiful day, isn't it?"

Amelia's heart skipped a beat at the invitation. She gracefully settled beside him, her ey