Vera

The morning sun spilled through the tall windows of the Bellanti estate, casting long, golden beams across the polished floors. For the first time in years, I breathed without the weight of fear pressing down on my chest. Vanessa ran ahead of me, her laughter echoing through the hallways like music I hadn’t realized I’d been craving.

I paused in the doorway, watching her chase a small, painted wooden horse across the floor. Nicolas knelt beside her, guiding her hand as she painted ...