Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Chapter 453

Rupert didn't say a word. He just grabbed her hand and pulled her into the car.

The scenery outside blurred by, streetlights streaking in the dusk. After who knows how long, snow started falling again, soft flakes swirling past the window.

When the car finally stopped and the door swung open, the world was covered in another layer of fresh snow.

As Sylvia stepped out, a thick cashmere coat was draped over her shoulders. The warmth—and the scent of Rupert surrounded her in an instant.

By the time she came to her senses, she was standing in front of a sprawling suburban mansion.

Even in winter, with the gardens cloaked in white, the place looked straight out of a fairy tale. She could imagine what it must look like in spring, the flower beds bursting with color.

Sylvia could see it all clearly in her mind.

Because this was the house where, in another life, she'd set herself on fire.

Eight years of marriage, and this place had been a gilded cage—a beautiful prison.

She stared at the house, her voice cold as ice. "What's this supposed to mean?"

Rupert's gaze darkened. "I'll have someone pick up your things from your apartment. From now on, you'll be living here. I'll arrange for a driver, a housekeeper, whatever you need. Just tell them."

He didn't ask. He just decided for her.

"we,"-just her. Don't go out

that moment, Sylvia finally understood her place in his

against her, there'd be someone else-some girl from

a pretty cage. And to call her that

expected to serve one man, that's

and forced a laugh, gesturing at the brick wall. "There used to be rose bushes over there. In summer, the petals would float up to

replied,

build a koi pond. Plant some lilies in the summer set up a sun umbrella and we'll eat

eyes narrowed, sharp

patch of empty ground, her hand

Stick a little wooden sign at

Kitchen Garden' on

hoarse, her chest tightening at the memory-she could see Stella bouncing on her toes

plant my own veggies, just like at preschool! And the sign has to

Dad eat my veggies.

leave this house? I

gust of wind swept through, scattering the memory

hands clamped hard on her shoulders. "Who

house from

"Who am

She shot back, voice