Chapter 32 Mistake For Kindness

• Serena sat on the edge of her bed, staring out at the vast gardens stretching beyond her window. The morning sun filtered through the glass, casting a warm glow on the room, but it did little to lift her spirits. She felt trapped, like a caged bird, locked away in Adriano's mansion. Every day felt like a repeat of the last—endless hours passing with no destination, no purpose. Heck, she even missed her crappy job at the diner. Even the struggle of working for a measly paycheck had been more fulfilling than the stillness of these walls.
• With a sigh, Serena inhaled deeply, filling her lungs with the subtle scent of fresh flowers that the staff had placed in a vase on her dresser. It was a kind gesture, meant to bring some color and life to her surroundings. But even the flowers, lovely as they were, felt like just another reminder of her gilded confinement.
• Serena managed to slip out of bed and took her time in the bath, letting the warmth of the water soothe her muscles. When she finally dressed and left her room, the silence of the mansion seemed almost stifling. She had a growing craving for conversation, for any human interaction that could remind her she was still connected to the world outside. With a deep breath, she headed to the kitchen, hoping breakfast would bring a small break from the monotony.