A new beginning
The compound was silent except for the faint rustle of the wind moving through the trees when the driver rolled the truck to a stop before the towering wrought iron gates. A white mansion, glistening in the afternoon sunlight, rose in the distance. It looked unreal, like a postcard painting of paradise—clean white walls, massive windows, and palm trees neatly lined across a paved driveway.
Tessa sat stiff in the passenger seat, her eyes red and swollen from crying. Her body trembled faintly as she stared at the luxurious house, yet her heart was heavy as a rock. Beside her, Ayisha was practically buzzing with excitement, drumming her fingers on the dashboard as the gates slowly swung open.
“Welcome home,” Ayisha whispered, smiling, though she glanced at Tessa with conce
