forbidden under one roof

The sound of raindrops hitting the window filled the silent apartment as I stared at the only family photo I had left. Dad smiled back at me from the picture, his arm wrapped around Mom and me. It had been two years since he passed away. Two years, yet the emptiness never seemed to fade. A gentle knock interrupted my thoughts. "Chloe?" Mom called softly. "Can we talk?" I forced a smile and walked into the living room. Mom looked unusually nervous. Her hands were clasped together as if she had rehearsed what she was about to say a hundred times. "I've met someone." I froze. "He... asked me to marry him." For a moment, I couldn't find my voice. "Marry?" She nodded. "His name is Richard Blackwood." The name sounded familiar. "The billionaire?" A small smile appeared on her face. "Yes." Silence filled the room. "I know this is a lot to take in," she continued. "No one will ever replace your father. But Richard has been there for us when no one else was." I looked down at the floor. "If this makes you happy... then I'll support you." Tears gathered in her eyes as she hugged me tightly. "Thank you." One month later... The black Rolls-Royce stopped in front of enormous iron gates. They slowly opened. My jaw nearly dropped. Beyond them stood the biggest mansion I had ever seen. The gardens looked like they belonged in a royal palace. Marble fountains sparkled beneath the afternoon sun while luxury cars were parked neatly beside the entrance. "This is... our home?" Mom laughed nervously. "I guess so." As soon as we stepped out of the car, dozens of maids lined up at the entrance. "Welcome home, Mrs. Blackwood." I had never seen anything like it. The massive front doors opened. Standing there was Richard Blackwood himself. As I stepped out, I looked up. My breath caught in my throat. The mansion was breathtaking. White marble pillars stretched toward the sky, floor-to-ceiling windows reflected the golden afternoon sun, and colorful flowers lined the winding stone pathway. Crystal fountains sparkled in the center of the enormous garden, while expensive cars were neatly parked beside the entrance. "This... this is your house?" I asked, still unable to believe what I was seeing. Richard chuckled. "Our house now." Mom smiled at me reassuringly before taking my hand. "Come on." The huge oak doors swung open before we even reached them. The inside was even more unbelievable. A magnificent crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, scattering tiny rainbows across the polished marble floor. A sweeping staircase curved gracefully to the second floor, while elegant paintings and fresh flowers decorated every corner. The air carried the faint scent of vanilla and fresh lilies. "This place looks like something out of a movie," I whispered. A maid approached with a warm smile. "Welcome home, Miss Chloe." Before I could respond, several more maids and butlers appeared, each greeting us politely. "Welcome home." I felt overwhelmed. Back in our old apartment, Mom and I did everything ourselves. Now there were people offering to carry our bags, prepare meals, This was only the beginning.