Chapter 40

Charlotte spotted Elyse as soon as she reached the inpatient ward. Elyse sat in a wheelchair, dressed in a cream-gray wool coat with a matching fisherman's hat. A soft blanket—one Regina had bought—was draped over her lap. She basked in the sunlight as the bare trees behind her stood still in the quiet breeze, time seeming to drift by unhurriedly. Time never diminished true beauty. Charlotte had always believed in those words. The sickly pallor had faded, restoring Elyse's fair and luminous complexion. Now, she carried a timeless elegance, gracefully refined by the years. The beauty Elyse radiated from the inside out was something Charlotte knew she could never hope to attain in a lifetime. When Elyse saw her, she smiled. She always did. No matter the circumstances, the moment her eyes landed on Charlotte, her face would light up with a look of unwavering love and warmth. Charlotte stepped forward, stopping by her side. "Mom." Seeing the joy in Charlotte's expression, Elyse'