The sun had barely begun to set when a sleek black car rolled through the tall iron gates of the Marcello estate. The massive mansion stood proud at the end of a long driveway lined with cypress trees. Servants hurried to the front steps as the car came to a stop. The sound of gravel under the tires broke the quiet of the evening.
Celeste stepped out slowly, her dark brown hair spilling over her shoulders as the soft wind brushed her face. She took in the sight before her — the familiar walls, the fountain at the center of the courtyard, the scent of jasmine that filled the air. It felt like she had been gone forever.
“Miss Celeste, welcome home!” a maid exclaimed, hurrying forward to take her luggage.
Celeste smiled warmly. “Thank you, Rosa. It feels good to be back.”
The staff all bo
