Chapter 4 — Caroline’s Whispers

Ella

The aroma of Earl Grey tea drifted through the sitting room, mingling with the faint scent of lilac from the vase on the mantel. Henry had always loved lilacs. Their familiar sweetness pressed faintly at the edges of Ella’s thoughts, as if stirring a memory she couldn’t quite grasp. She sat upright on the tufted settee, her ankles perfectly crossed, a porcelain teacup balanced delicately in her hand. Across from her, Caroline sprawled in a mismatched armchair, her signature bold earrings catching the light as she leaned forward, mischief dancing in her eyes.