Turning a new leaf

Chapter 51

"I'm sorry, Mother. I didn't mean to upset you," Olivia whispered, her voice barely audible. "I just thought... never mind."

Mrs. Collins waved her hand dismissively. "Enough, Olivia. We have more important matters to attend to. When are you going to learn your place? Now go and get dressed. You look like a mess. And you just came out of the shower but I can still smell hospital all around you."

Olivia's shoulders fell, her spirit dampened by her mother's coldness. She nodded silently and retreated towards her suitcase, her heart heavy with unanswered questions.

As Olivia began to dress, she couldn't help but feel a sense of longing. It had been years since she had seen her brother, Alexander. Her memory was fragmented, her past clouded by a three-year long coma. She yearned for the connection of family, for the warmth of a sibling's embrace.

"Mother, when are we going to Alexander's mansion? I haven't seen him in such a long time," Olivia asked tentatively, her voice fille