NOVEL DRAMA ONLINE Chapter 2-2
Chapter 2-2
He swore to make it all up to her and spare no expense in giving her the best of everything.
"Welcome home, darling," Vivian murmured, linking arms with her daughter.
The main gates stood far from the mansion, necessitating a drive through the grounds. A magnificent fountain marked the entrance, leading to expansive gardens where rare flowers from around the world created an ocean of blooms-a scene straight from a fairy tale.
The staff lined the drive-butlers, guards, gardeners, chefs, and maids-bowing in perfect unison. "Welcome home, Miss Darling."
The mansion’s foyer dripped old money crystal chandeliers casting a brilliant glow, museum-worthy paintings adorning the walls, priceless antiques casually displayed like vacation souvenirs, and luxurious rugs sprawling across the floor. Every detail exuded the owner’s prestige and wealth.
"I failed you, Danielle." Howard’s voice rasped with pain. "I let them take you. I should have found you sooner, protected you from such hardship."
"I managed fine," Danielle replied coolly, though a hint of warmth softened her tone.
Eighteen years of emotional isolation had left her rusty at human connection. Her adoptive parents had drummed it into her head that she was abandoned, unwanted.
Even through their cruelty, she’d stayed, desperately hoping for scraps of affection until their endless spite crushed that hope.
Learning her real parents had searched relentlessly cracked something in her carefully constructed walls.
"Danielle, after losing you..." Howard chose his words carefully. "We adopted a girl who resembles you. We’ve raised her for years now. Would you mind if she stays? As your younger sister?"
The couple gazed at Danielle with guilt- stricken expressions. Danielle’s face remained neutral. "Your choice."
Her parents exhaled in relief at her apparent acceptance.
"If you feel uncomfortable, I’ll have her move out," Joseph said flatly. "You’re the Darling heiress-no compromises needed."
"Let her stay, Joseph," Danielle murmured, warming slightly at her brother’s fierce protectiveness.
"Come see your room, sweetheart." Vivian practically bounced up the stairs. "This suite on the left side of the third floor has always been yours. I’ve kept it just for you, but we didn’t have time to properly decorate it. Tomorrow, we’ll redecorate it exactly to your liking."
The room exploded with pink-curtains, furniture, every surface awash in cotton candy hues.
"Your mother thought all girls love pink," Howard explained as they both watched their daughter hopefully like anxious puppies awaiting approval.