Katelyn’s POV

The scent of roasted coffee beans and freshly baked pastries wafted through the grand villa, mingling with the subtle floral fragrance that seemed to live in every hallway. I sat on a silk-cushioned chair, surrounded by polished marble and gentle morning sunlight filtering through high arched windows.

Jimson had insisted I help myself to the desserts on the silver tray. Chocolate tarts, lemon pastries, and a towering fruit platter glistened invitingly. I hesitated at first, ...