Bound by scars: More than just a caretaker

om, which was dimly lit, closing in on her, and the air was thick with the pervasive odor of alcohol and the sting of guilt. Different i

e known better than to leave you with anything I trust." The voice cut

ontain the tears that were about to fall. Her fists tightened around the table's ed

enough brute force to make her shrink. The contents splashed out,

the dark. A sudden, piercing cry pierced the silence, pulling

e bitter words lingering even as she tried to blink away the thoughts of the nightmare. Her hands gripped the blanket over her legs as she sa

town she had moved to only weeks ago. Sh

legs over the side of the bed. Early morning light filtered through the clear curtains, bathing the

key eyes were further highlighted by dark circles, which were a result of many restless nights. Her once-softly rounded cheekbones had become defl

ld son, Daniel, threw open the door while holding his favorite stuffed dolphin. His brown

, Mommy?" He asked in

erased the anxiety off her face. "I'm fi

for his age, before nodding and climbing onto the bed. He s

ng today?" he asked

a little. "Maybe, if we're lucky. But first, we've got

of the responsibility were his to bear.

ndoubting faith in her. "Tha

d-perfect town, with its pleasantly old-fashioned cottages, cobblestone streets, the distant cries of seagulls, and the rhythmic lapping of waves against the shore creating a serene soundtrack. Yet, beneath it

uld come get him later. Then, she made her way towards the Sterling

s and stone, its design showing artistry and wealth both breathtaking and intimidating. As Eloise approached, the iron gates opened, which showed a long driveway flank

she hesitated before summoning the bravery to touch the bell. She was confronted by a towering, broad-sho

Ster

hair that curled slightly at the corners. He was a gorgeous man. Wearing a clean white shirt with the sleeves

deep, devoid of affection. His gaze swept over her

ed red with shame "I

errupted, stepping aside t

The interior of the house was just as striking as the exterior, with its towering ceilings like the cathedrals, crafty fu

s surfaces glimmering under the soft lighting. H

vacy is maintained and take good care of the house and yard. I don't t

his tone but forced hers

know how much she was worth at an auction. Then he turned away. "Y

s job was an opportunity to start over and prove to herself and Daniel that they could build a

park of optimism for the first time in a long time when the sun's rays touched h