Chapter 41

• Luciana's POV:
• I was in the dining room, dusting the chandelier, lost in the repetitive motions when Tariq walked in. His presence seemed to lighten the room, the tension of the mansion momentarily forgotten. He had this easy smile that made the day feel a little less daunting.
• "Hey, Luciana," he greeted, his voice smooth like the spices he used in his cooking. "You're making this room shine, just like you make my day."