The Flower That Grew from Ashes novel Chapter 39

Her gaze swept casually around the room.

It was a silent, bloodless reconnaissance mission.

The closet door was slightly ajar, revealing a row of brand-new women's clothing. Tucked away in the far corner hung a perfectly pressed, dark gray dress shirt.

Annelise's pupils contracted slightly.

She recognized it—it was the Italian brand Hackett wore religiously.

On the vanity, nestled among the array of luxury skincare, sat a small, cute bottle of baby lotion.

The drawer of the nightstand was cracked open just a sliver.

Through that gap, she could see the bright, cardboard edge of a children's picture book.

Every single detail in the room was silently declaring the existence of the man of the house, and the child who supposedly didn't exist.

Yet, strangely, there were no actual daily necessities for a toddler in sight.

"Sit down, Anne, don't just stand there." Clarissa pulled Annelise onto the sofa and poured her a cup of hot tea.

The two women sat under the warm amber lighting, drinking tea and chatting.

"How is your recovery going? Does your incision still hurt?"

"Have you been craving anything lately? I can cook something special for you tomorrow."

"Once the weather clears up, we should go shopping together! I saw a few new dresses that would look absolutely stunning on you."

Every single word Clarissa spoke overflowed with the concern of a "best friend" and an "ideal sister-in-law."

Annelise matched her energy, smiling and nodding along.

"I'm feeling much better. It barely hurts anymore."

"You don't have to go to the trouble, Clarissa. Harriet is taking good care of me."

"I'd love that, once I'm feeling a bit stronger."

One played the role of the devoted, considerate best friend flawlessly.

The other played the role of the oblivious, naive fool to absolute perfection.

They kept up the airtight performance for a full hour.

The moment Annelise stepped back into her own room, the smile vanished from her face instantly.

Harriet was turning down the bed. Seeing Annelise return, she leaned in close with a conspiratorial, excited look.

"Miss, when I was taking the trash out earlier, I walked past the downstairs storage room and saw those boxes Clarissa hadn't unpacked yet."

Harriet looked like she had just struck gold.

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