394: HOLDING ON TO HOPE

ARIEL'S POV Finally, Luke and I entered the mansion. The foyer's familiar grandeur and opulent furnishings welcomed us. "Welcome home, Luke," I said softly, guiding him further into the expansive hallway. Luke's gaze wandered, taking in the elegant surroundings with a mixture of awe and confusion. I could sense his struggle to reconcile the unfamiliar with the fragments of memory that danced just beyond his reach. But as we walked, a wave of warmth enveloped us as the familiar faces of the household staff greeted Luke with genuine delight. Their smiles were infectious, banishing the shadows of doubt that lingered in his eyes. Mariam emerged from the sitting room, her face lighting up as she caught sight of her nephew. "Luke, darling, you're back!" she exclaimed, rushing forward to warmly embrace him. And then, as if on cue, Celine appeared at the top of the staircase, her expression a mixture of relief and longing. "Luke!" She went to hug him quickly, but Luke was just giving