Lina arrived at the mansion next week stepping out of her luxury car with her usual grace and elegance. The staff quickly lined up to greet her but her eyes scanned the front steps until they landed on one person…Isabella.
Isabella ran down barefoot, still in her soft home dress, her face glowing with the kind of pure happiness rarely seen in this cold mansion.
"Mom!" she called out, her eyes bright like a child.
Lina, who was usually reserved and unreadable, felt something flicker in her chest. A warmth she hadn't expected. A softness she hadn't felt in a long time. Her eyes, always sharp and distant, softened as she opened her arms and Isabella rushed into them without hesitation.
"Careful, child," Lina chuckled, brushing back a loose strand of Isabella's hair. "You'll make me fall."
Isabella grinned. "I missed you!"
"I can see that," Lina replied, unable to hide the hint of a smile playing at her lips. "You've grown prettier since I last saw you. This house must suit you."
