89 Peace
CHAPTER 89
-Zara’s POV-
The tension wrapped around me tightly, and when the car finally arrived at Snow’s mansion, I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.
The memories of my family’s house–my father’s exhaustion, my mother’s frustration, Elias’s agitation— all replayed like an unwelcome montage, amplifying the weight in my chest.
The driver came around to open my door, and I stepped out, smoothing the creases on my dress before grabbing my bag. Snow’s mansion stood imposing yet comforting before me, and a strange sense of relief washed over me.
The familiar grounds, the polished floors, even the slightly too–cool air all hinted at stability, at control- two things I’d sorely missed in the past few days.
One of Snow’s staff greeted me with a polite bow.
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“Madam Zara,” he said, taking my bag. “Welcome back.”
“Hello, good evening,” I replied, managing a faint smile. He nodded, leading me through the grand hallway as I followed quietly, breathing in the calm that only
seemed to exist here.
He set my things in my room and left me alone, closing the door softly behind him.
For a brief moment, I just stood there, taking in my surroundings–the familiar plush furnishings, the faint scent of lavender from the linen, and the comforting memory of Snow’s guarded, grumpy expressions.
‘And Storm’s laughter as he ran through the halls, a
source of lightness I hadn’t expected to miss.
It was odd but comforting. Being here felt like the closest thing to peace I’d felt in weeks.
A loud rumbling from my stomach reminded me that I hadn’t eaten breakfast. Following my nose, I found my way to the kitchen, where two maids were cooking up
a feast.
“Mrs. Zara,” one of them said, startled, stepping back from the gas with wide eyes.
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“Madam,” the second girl acknowledged.
Both ladies bowed their heads and quickly looked away. Watching them fold their hands in front and shudder a little made me shake her head.
I couldn’t help but chuckle at the way they straightened, clearly caught off guard. “Relax, I won’t bite, you know.”
“M–m–ma?” the first girl stuttered.
And the second girl lifted her head, and as soon as she locked eyes with me, she averted her gaze.
I shook my head as a gentle smile formed on my lips. “Please, don’t let me interrupt. I’m just here to enjoy whatever that delicious aroma is,” I said, nodding toward the simmering pots, the warmth of the kitchen seeping into me.
They both exchanged a quick, bashful glance, cheeks pink. “We’ll bring it up to your room,” one of them offered. “We’ll prepare a tray for you.”
“That would be wonderful, thank you.” I smiled, watching them for a moment as they moved swiftly, a calm efficiency in every step.
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This place ran so seamlessly, everyone somehow in sync, almost like Snow’s guarded exterior had seeped into every corner of his home, creating a serene atmosphere.
Before long, the maids presented me with a tray of steaming food, complete with fresh bread and a cool drink on the side. They gave me a small nod as they handed it over.
“Please, rest a bit,” one of them said gently. “It’s been a long day.”
I murmured my thanks, taking the tray with me to my .room. As I settled into the soft bedding, I allowed myself to breathe, my mind finally slowing down enough to catch up.
After a hot shower and changing into a robe, I dug into the meal, savoring every bite. The food was warm, comforting, grounding me in a way I hadn’t realized I
needed.
As I finished, my phone screen blinked with a series of notifications. Picking it up, I found a message from Elias, my older brother.
Elias: I’m sorry about Mom. I know she can be…
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intense. Please don’t let it weigh on you.
I smiled faintly, grateful for the familiar way he always tried to shoulder the load. He might not have
understood exactly what I was going through, but he knew enough to check in, to reassure me even in his quiet way.
Zara: Thank you, Elias. I’ll figure this out–I promise. Try to get some rest too.
His reply was almost immediate.
Elias: Will do. Just… don’t feel like you have to carry
this alone.
That simple sentence, coming from him, was enough to ease the tension just a little. Setting the phone down, I picked up my drink, taking a few slow sips as I let his words sink in.
Ella’s message was next, a cheerful check–in that managed to make me smile.
Ella: Hey Zara! Just checking in. How are you feeling? I know you’ve had a lot on your plate lately. Hope the trip wasn’t too exhausting.
Her kindness was comforting, and I knew she
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genuinely meant it. Ella always knew when to reach
out and always sensed when things were off without me needing to say a word.
I replied with a quick update, assuring her I was managing, though I’d spare her the details until I could tell her in person.
And finally, Andrew’s message.
Andrew: Rest well. I’ll see you tomorrow, alright? Don’t overthink things.
His words lingered in my mind, quiet but reassuring, like he knew exactly what was going on. Somehow, his calm had always managed to soften the edges of my anxiety. Despite everything, I was grateful to have him in my corner.
As I set my phone aside, I allowed myself to relax, sinking back into the soft bedding. My eyelids felt heavy, the strain of the day’s events pulling me into sleep even as I tried to resist. The last thing I felt was a faint sense of calm, one I hadn’t felt since I’d left
Snow’s mansion.
A soft knock at the door stirred me from my half–sleep, and I shifted, setting the tray aside and
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tugging my robe a little tighter.
“Come in.”
The door opened, revealing Scott, Snow’s ever–efficient chauffeur. He gave a respectful nod. “Madam Zara, would you like anything else before we retire for the evening?”
I shook my head, offering him a small smile. “No, thank you, Scott. Everything was perfect. I appreciate it.”
His gaze softened, his face reflecting that small smile. “Our pleasure, madam. If you need anything, we’re here.” He nodded again before closing the door, leaving
‘me alone.
I reached for my phone one last time, skimming the messages, and felt a small comfort from the simple words exchanged.
But soon, exhaustion overtook me, pulling me into the deep, dreamless sleep I had been craving all day.
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00 Worry
