Chapter 36

Mary stood in the foyer for a while after Nicholas had left for his room. The harsh reality that this was going to be her new life slowly dawned on her, but she was having a hard time believing that this was the same Nicholas who was doting on her during her stay on the island.

He must be tired and hungry. Mary tried to justify his action, or maybe she was just the one who was reading meaning into it.

She took in an empty living room, a little too dull for her liking. She had grown up surrounded by people, and there was hardly any time there was peace and quiet, so it was a bit startling.

Mary's eyes flitted around the room, taking note of every single detail, her mind making comparisons with the convent. The flat screen took up a sizable portion of the wall, and looking around, there was artwork arranged strategically.

Mary skidded to the first artwork, drawn to it like a moth to a flame. She stood in front of it, her fingers reaching for it, but she stopped herself on time.

She had