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Chapter 35 False Hope

Author: Artemis Z.Y.
last update Last Updated: 2025-01-10 00:36:05

**Mia's POV**

The deliveries started at dawn.

First came the Italian silk bedsheets, their fabric so fine it felt like water running through my fingers. The deep purple shade reminded me of twilight skies, of quiet moments I used to spend sketching on the balcony. A small card accompanied them, printed in nice handwriting: "For better sleep."

By ten, a collection of organic bath products had appeared – lavender-infused soaps from Provence, hand-blended essential oils, bath salts from the Dead Sea. Another card: "For relaxation."

Noon brought aromatherapy candles, each one hand-poured in crystal vessels that probably cost more than most people's monthly rent. The scents were carefully chosen – chamomile, vanilla, sandalwood. A third card: "For peace of mind."

I stood in the middle of my bedroom, surrounded by Kyle's latest attempts at... what? Apology? Compensation? Control wrapped in cashmere and silk?

"Mrs. Branson?" Mrs. Chen appeared in the doorway, her arms full of yet another pac
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