As I sat there, lost in thought, I heard a knock at the bedroom door. I jumped, half-expecting to see Lysander, but instead, it was a woman I didn't recognize.

"Mrs. Vincenzo?" she said hesitantly. "I'm Samantha, the housekeeper. Mr. Vincenzo asked me to help you settle in."

I stared at her for a moment, taking in her appearance. She was older than I expected, probably in her fifties, with graying hair pulled back in a neat bun. Her kind eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled ...