Lina nodded, her smile courteous. Many things were hard for her to get used to when she first arrived at this home.
Still, Nicholas and Linda assured her that everything would be adjusted to her liking in the Thompson residence. They even sent the staff who usually served them to attend to her needs.
It brought tears to Lina's eyes. It felt like she had saved the world in her past life, meeting her adoptive parents, who treated her as their own, and her biological parents, who never stopped searching for her.
And then there was Zuko, her perfect boyfriend and future husband. Warmth filled Lina as she smiled, her bright future shining in her doe eyes.
"Is there anything you need, miss?" Aunt Evelyn asked.
Lina snapped back to reality and shook her head. "Not at the moment."
"Alright, then we'll leave you be." Aunt Evelyn smiled. "Just let us know if you need anything at all."
"Okay."
Aunt Evelyn turned and waved, the others going about their own tasks. Uncle Jay and Ian headed downstairs while Aunt Evelyn accompanied Lina to the courtyard.
"This is the garden." Aunt Evelyn pointed. "Behind it, you'll find the stable and the golf course. And beyond that is the beach. We have a private beach that's next to the Hamerstons. Just let Uncle Jay know if there's anywhere you'd like to go."
"Okay, got it," Lina replied, turning her head as she heard a maid bringing a woman into the courtyard.
The woman was in her 30s and appeared wise and elegant in her beige suit and pumps.
Lina was curious. "Who is she?"
"That's Ivy Redfield, Madam's therapist," Aunt Evelyn explained.
Lina looked surprised. "Madam has been seeing a therapist all this time?"
Aunt Evelyn was taken aback by the use of the term "madam" for Linda, but she elaborated, "Since you were kidnapped 20 years ago, Madam has been seeing a therapist without a break."
Lina's heart sank.
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