Isolde nodded. Since meeting Eleonora, she had done nothing but nod or shake her head, completely unable to find her voice.
They stopped in front of a stunning conservatory-style building.
Eleonora pointed ahead. "This is your room, The Acacia Wing."
Isolde froze. Her room?
Eleonora pointed at the plaque hanging above the door, and Isolde finally noticed the word "Acacia" carved elegantly into the wood.
"Want to go inside and look?"
Eleonora took her hand and pushed open the double doors.
The room lit up like a starry night.
Dreamy white lace curtains, a massive crystal chandelier that sparkled brighter than the stars, and couches that looked like fluffy clouds. It was as if a fairy godmother had waved her wand and dropped a princess's castle right in front of her.
The tears she had been holding back finally spilled over. Eleonora reached out and gently wiped them from her cheeks.
"I know you must have questions. Why did we adopt another child? Why didn't we look for you?"
Unable to hold back her years of anger and sorrow, Isolde whispered, "Why?"
"Isolde, you have to believe us," Eleonora said, her voice trembling. "Your father, your grandfather, me... we never stopped looking for you. But... we just couldn't find you! No matter what we did, we couldn't find you."
"Where have you been all these years?"
*
Crown Hospital, VIP Ward.
Mina had been cleaned up and was sitting on the bed, staring blankly ahead. Thanks to Vivienne's timely arrival, she hadn't suffered any physical harm.
Edmund finally relaxed after reading her medical report.
Edmund stayed quiet for a long moment before stroking her hair. "Do you want to go home tonight?"
Mina shook her head. "No. Can I stay at the hospital?"
"Yes, I'll have it arranged."
Edmund stood up and walked slowly toward the door. Just as his hand rested on the handle, Mina called out to him.
"Grandfather..."
He paused, not turning around, as her soft voice drifted over.
"I'm sorry. I lied to you again."
Edmund closed his eyes, his heart breaking. "I know."

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