Chapter 41: The Mask of Innocence
After causing a ruckus, Aveline returned to Blackwood Residence with her family. Watching Aveline easily walking around, grabbing an apple, and skipping upstairs, Margaret finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"I’m not sending her back," Margaret announced before retreating to her bedroom.
Henry didn’t plan to either. Unless Damien got a clean check, he would rather keep Aveline home than feed her to the demons of Ashfords.
Charles, watching his father’s worn-out face, offered, "Dad, I will handle the company. Stay with Lina."
Henry nodded, "Call me if anything serious. Mike will assist you." With that, he headed to the bedroom too.
At breakfast, everyone started eating, but Aveline didn’t dare to touch the pancakes or porridge the chef had made for her.
She had faked uneasiness the night before to skip dinner. Now her hand simply wouldn’t move.
"Lina..." Henry called gently.
Margaret immediately understood. Before leaving the hospital, Dr. Amelia had explained Aveline’s PTSD and the need for the therapy. She stood, patting her daughter’s arm. "Let’s go. We’ll make your favorite salad."
Aveline nodded and followed her mother to the open kitchen.
Henry and Charles watched her closely as she hesitantly observed how to prepare the salad, following Margaret’s patient instructions.