For a few long seconds, Isabella simply stood there staring at the woman before her.
“Aunty Nina…” she whispered again softly, still shocked.
The older woman looked exhausted, but the moment her eyes settled properly on Isabella, relief washed across her face. She quickly held Isabella’s hands tightly as though afraid she might disappear again.
“My child,” she breathed emotionally. “Do you know how long I have been searching for you?”
Isabella frowned slightly. “Searching for me?”
“Yes.” The woman nodded quickly. “Nobody knew where you went after you ran away. It took me weeks to discover this place.”
Martha exchanged a careful look with the guards before stepping forward politely.
“Please come inside first,” she said warmly.
Aunty Nina nodded gratefully.
The maids quickly brought
