Chapter 14

Hayley

As we make our way up the front steps, the front door opens to reveal a smiling Grandma Helen. She steps forward and crushes me in a warm embrace “Look at how beautiful you are!” She beams

“Hi Gran” I smile a little overwhelmed.

Xander places his hand on my lower back as he ushers me into his mansion.

My mouth drops open as I enter a foyer the size of my entire house. There is an oval table with an exquisite bouquet of pink and white flowers with bright green foliage that sits at the foot of twin staircases on either side. Above the entryway hangs a large crystal chandelier catching the light at different angles creating an array of mini rainbows.

An elderly man in his fifties approaches us “ Good afternoon Sir, Mam…can I offer you some refreshments?”

“Hayley, this is Charles he oversees the day to day running of the house.”

“Nice to meet you Charles, I’m fine for now thanks.”