Chapter 1790

Seven years had passed, and life at Hackett Manor had settled into a tranquil rhythm. Maeve and Zion's marriage was blissful and steady, the kind of life that felt like it was meant to last forever. The group often stopped by Hackett Manor to chat about business rivalries or to swap stories about the little dramas that made up their daily lives. This morning, the adults were gathered in the living room and discussing their plans for the afternoon—a trip to the cemetery to pay their respects. In the backyard, seven-year-old Aurelia was on the swing as eight-year-old Cyrus pushed her from behind. "Cyrus, Daddy and Mommy said they're taking us to visit Mr. Hackett this afternoon. Do you think Mr. Hackett would prefer me in a black dress or a red one?" Aurelia's voice was sweet and childlike, carrying the innocence of her age. Cyrus was still pushing the swing as he replied with a shrug, "It doesn't matter what you wear—he can't see it anyway. "Just wear black. My mom says we s