Morning light streamed through the grand windows of the Devereux estate, bathing the expansive halls in a warm glow. Once, this place belonged to a family lost to time. Now, it was hers.
Ariella cradled Eleanor in the nursery, gently rocking her as she watched her daughter's tiny fingers wrap around her own.
This was her hard-won victory.
Yet, despite her desire to believe the conflict was over, a nagging feeling told her otherwise.
She sensed it—the burden of something unresolved, lurking in the dark.
Leo entered quietly, his presence a calming force. He kissed her temple and placed a hand on her lower back. "You're overthinking again."
Ariella smiled slightly. "And you always say that."
Leo looked at her intently, his gaze piercing. "Because it's true. You don't trust in peace."
Ariella sighed, adjusting Eleanor in her arms. "That's because peace has never lasted for me."
Leo's expression hardened. He had fought too many battles with her to argue.
