Chapter 17

Chloe stepped through the doorway and the familiar scent of lavender and polished wood; she inhaled in; at least this still felt like home with the smells; she looked behind her to see the bodyguards heading back to the gate; one stood at the doorway facing the outside the other was at the gate entrance.

That’s odd, she thought to herself.

Chloe’s mother rushed forward, her face alight with joy at the sight of her daughter, arms outstretched in a welcoming embrace.

“Chloe, my darling! You’re finally home,” her mother’s voice was trembling with emotion.

She gave her mother a big hug and patted her head. Her mother had missed her so much. Now, having a closer look, she could see the bags under her mother’s eyes.

Was she crying every day?

Her gaze met her father’s, and the warmth in her heart turned to ice.

Her father forced a smile, his eyes filled with guilt. “Welcome home, Chloe. It’s been too long since we've seen you. I hope Jo has been ma