CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE –AT HER EVERY WHIM

Clarissa burst into Mara's room, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Pack your bags, darling! We're going on an adventure!" Mara, still groggy from sleep, blinked in confusion. "Adventure? What do you mean?" "The countryside, of course!" Clarissa exclaimed, throwing open Mara's closet and pulling out clothes seemingly at random. "I'm simply suffocating in this city. We need fresh air, rolling hills, quaint little villages. Chop chop, we leave in an hour!" Before Mara could protest, Clarissa had swept out of the room, leaving a whirlwind of scattered clothes in her wake. Sighing, Mara began to pack, wondering what fresh chaos this impromptu trip would bring. Three hours later, they were cruising down a winding country road in Clarissa's luxury SUV. The cityscape had given way to lush green fields and picturesque farmhouses. Mara had to admit, it was breathtakingly beautiful. "Isn't this marvelous?" Clarissa gushed, gesturing at the scenery. "So rustic, so charming!" But as they dr