ALESSA'S POV

Every morning in the Astor mansion had its own quiet rhythm.

The sunlight always crept in gently through the tall windows, filtered by white curtains that fluttered just enough to remind me the world was still breathing outside.

I’d wake up before most people, not out of obligation, but out of habit. Comfort mattered to me. Soft robes. Warm socks. Silence.

And when I headed downstairs, it wasn’t because anyone asked me to. No one in this house expected me to do anything. ...