Chapter 53

Nicole I stood there, mouth slightly agape, staring at the rustic green-bricked house before me. When Jacline Lane invited me inside, I felt grateful". Growing up in the city, I wasn’t prepared for how warm and grounded this place felt. The stone fireplace, exposed wooden beams, and handcrafted furniture gave it a cozy charm that instantly made me feel at home. "I'm so sorry," I stammered, feeling my cheeks flush. "This is my first time in a traditional house. It's... incredible." Jacline smiled warmly, her eyes—the same deep amber as Weslee's—crinkling at the corners. "It's okay, dear. If you like it, I can show you around later. These old pack houses have mostly disappeared from the cities." She guided me to a comfortable sitting area where the scent of cinnamon and cloves hung in the air. After pouring me tea in a handmade mug, she leaned forward, worry etching lines around her mouth. "Has something happened to my daughter?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. I quickly rea