#8: He Tried to Warn Freya About What to Expect
Leon prepped her on the drive, repeating that his mother maintained exacting standards and that no one before had ever been serious enough to meet her. The admission tightened Freya’s chest and fluttered beneath her ribs like birds startled from a branch.
She reminded herself to breathe, to smile, to lead with kindness that never failed her. Coming from a simpler life, she polished her manners anyway, hoping warmth could bridge distance. Pines opened to water, and the road curled toward a pale stone house with windows like watching eyes. She sat up straighter and tucked her hair behind her ear.