Chapter 16
The car drove up the long,
winding driveway,
surrounded by perfectly manicured but lifeless hedges.
The grand mansion stood at the top of the hill,
a massive monument of stone and glass.
Yet,
as Evelyn looked at it,
she noticed the subtle signs of neglect and decay.
The marble pillars were stained,
the fountain in the front yard was dry,
clogged with dead leaves.
The sprawling house looked less like a palace and more like a beautiful,
empty tomb.
Mr.
Harrison parked the car,
stepping out to open the door for them with quiet reverence.
Evelyn and Sophie stepped onto the cold stone driveway,
their simple boots clicking against the ground.
The massive front doors were opened by an old butler,
whose eyes widened slightly when he recognized Evelyn.
He bowed deeply,
his voice trembling slightly as he welcomed them back into the hall.
"Welcome home,
madam,"
the old butler whispered,
his voice echoing in the vast,
silent entryway.
"This is not our home,"
May you like
Sophie corrected gently,
her voice carrying softly through the empty space.
