Chapter 69

The car stopped in front of a huge white mansion. It looked like something out of a movie. Tall iron gates stood wide open. Bright windows stretched across three floors. The mansion’s walls gleamed under the soft glow of garden lights. There was a big stone fountain in the middle of the driveway, its water gently trickling. Around it were trimmed flowers, marble statues, and a garden that looked perfectly cut, like it had been designed by a professional. My heart thudded. Logan helped Lily out first. Then he turned to me. “You okay?” he asked. I nodded, even though my hands were sweating. “Just a little nervous.” He smiled and reached for my hand, his touch warm and steady. “You’ll be fine.” Lily tugged at my other hand, full of excitement. “Can I go play in the garden? I saw kids outside.” I looked through the glass doors. Fancy-looking children in pressed shirts and pretty dresses were running around near the trees. Their laughter echoed faintly. “Alright,” I said slowly, “but be car