The Hughes Gardens, a sprawling private estate, boasted a meticulous design, where every detail was crafted with extraordinary care. The setting was almost otherworldly in its beauty, from the delicate balance of its landscaping to the antique lantern-style lights flanking the narrow stone paths.

Walking down the central walkway, Jasmine couldn’t shake the uncanny sensation that she’d wandered into another era.

In fact, every time she stepped inside this place, ...