The evening had settled over the estate like a soft blanket. Outside, the wind whispered through the trees, and the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore provided a gentle rhythm to the otherwise silent night. Inside, the house glowed warmly from the fireplace and the twinkling lights strung along the walls, illuminating the ornaments and garlands Neil and Miriam had spent the morning and afternoon arranging.
I sat curled up in the living room, a mug of steaming tea between my hands, watching the glow of the fire reflect on the ornaments of the Christmas tree we had decorated earlier. For a brief moment, I allowed myself to simply exist—no emails, no deadlines, no phone calls. Just me, the estate, and the soft crackle of the fire.
A soft creak from the hall drew my attention,
