Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 542

By the time they returned to Sunnyglade Abbey, it was already half-past three in the afternoon. The sun was still casting its warm rays, but the air had turned noticeably colder, and a brisk wind had picked up, swirling around them.

As Lucinda stepped out of the car, the chilly breeze made her shiver. "This place is really cold," she muttered to herself, wrapping her arms around her body. It was only fall, but here in Skywatch, winter seemed to be making an early appearance. It was a stark contrast to Pinehurst, where the autumn heat was still relentless, and air conditioning was a necessity.

A jacket was draped over her shoulders, and she didn't need to turn around to know it was Stefan.

"Honey, I'm not cold," Lucinda protested, trying to return the jacket.

Stefan gently insisted, helping her into it. "I saw you shiver when you got out of the car," he said with a knowing smile.

Lucinda chuckled, feeling a wave of warmth not from the jacket, but from his attention. "Your eyes are as sharp as a hawk's."

"Amy, the young masters have returned! Lady Edith is waiting inside," called out Amy, the housekeeper, as she came to greet them at the door.

Stefan turned back to the car, pulling out a few bags filled with gifts. "These are for Grandma," Lucinda explained, handing them over to Amy.

Though Amy thought to herself that Lady Edith hardly needed any more gifts, she kept her thoughts to herself and responded with a polite smile, "You're so thoughtful, Miss Lucinda. Lady Edith will be delighted."

Lucinda didn't say anything further. Instead, she and Stefan walked into the main house, her arm linked with his. Behind them, Amy followed, carrying the bags, a slight smirk playing on her lips at the sight of their affection.

Sunnyglade Abbey had seen its fair share of young couples, all starting out as in love as Lucinda and Stefan seemed to be now. But few had endured the test of time and family pressures. Amy knew the whispers around the estate; Lady Edith had her own ideas about Lucinda's husband, and it wasn't all roses.

Inside, Lady Edith sat with her two daughters-in-law, sipping tea. Ashley's makeup was heavier than usual, likely an attempt to mask the evidence of recent tears. Lucinda's spirits lifted at the sight, as she suspected Ashley had been crying over something trivial.

"Grandma, Kayla, Ashley," Lucinda greeted with a bright smile that seemed to light up the room. She bore an uncanny resemblance to Lady Edith, a fact that never failed to soften the old matriarch's stern demeanor.

"Lucy, you're back!" Lady Edith beamed, motioning for her to come closer. "Come sit with your grandma."

Ashley shifted slightly, making room for Lucinda. Without hesitation, Lucinda took her place beside Lady Edith, handing over the gifts. "Grandma, I noticed you seemed a bit tired lately. I brought you some things to help you feel better."

"The last thing this house lacks is treats," Lady Edith replied, though she accepted the gifts with a gracious nod.

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