The Flower That Grew from Ashes novel Chapter 21

"I'm sorry," Annelise said, her voice laced with the perfect amount of guilt and submission. "My body failed, and I've disappointed you."

"Disappointed?" Lizzie softly repeated the word, a cold smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. "I wouldn't say that. I just think some things are simply fate."

With that, she dismissed Annelise from her gaze and waved over the waiting butler, Felix.

Breakfast was over. Felix walked over to Annelise and respectfully handed her a printed sheet of A4 paper.

"This is your schedule for the day, arranged by the madam."

Annelise's eyes fell on the page. It meticulously outlined every hour of her day.

10:00 AM: Accompany Lizzie to Serenity Chapel on the outskirts of town to pray for the family.

2:00 PM: Accompany Lizzie to the Starlight Charity Foundation's annual luncheon.

7:00 PM: Join Barnum and Lizzie for dinner...

Staring at this airtight schedule, Annelise felt her fingertips go cold.

Every single second she spent in the estate was mapped out with ruthless precision.

This wasn't about resting and recovering.

This was another form of imprisonment.

They were leaving her without a shred of personal space or free time.

They were ensuring she couldn't contact the outside world or investigate anything.

Expressionless, Annelise folded the paper in half and slipped it into her pocket.

"I understand," she said.

Back in the second-floor guest room, she needed to change into a modest dress suitable for the chapel.

Harriet opened the closet for her. It was filled with brand-new designer clothes, all recently purchased by the Lehman family in her exact size.

Annelise casually grabbed a black dress.

Just as she turned to get changed, her footsteps suddenly halted.

Her gaze locked onto the meticulously made king-sized bed.

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