Chapter 5 - The Sanctuary of Westchester
The Thorne Estate in Westchester was nothing short of breathtaking.
Sprawling across fifty acres of lush green hills, ancient oak trees, and private lakes, the main mansion was a stunning French-style manor built from white stone and slate. High iron gates guarded by discreet, heavily armed security personnel ensured total privacy and absolute safety.
When the armored limousine pulled up the long, winding driveway, Della stared out the window in absolute wonder.
"It's... like a fairytale," she whispered.
Jaxson smiled softly beside her. "It's a fortress, Della. Here, no one can reach you without my permission."
The front doors of the mansion swung open, and an elderly man in a dark suit accompanied by a warm-looking middle-aged woman in a grey dress stepped down the stone steps to greet them.
"Welcome home, Mr. Thorne," the elderly man bowed respectfully. "Everything has been prepared according to your instructions."
"Della, this is Thomas, my house manager, and Mrs. Gable, the head housekeeper," Jaxson introduced them as he helped Della out of the car.
Mrs. Gable’s eyes lit up with warm, motherly affection the moment she saw Della. She stepped forward, gently taking Della's hand. "Oh, my dear! Look at you, you look exhausted! Come inside, come inside! We’ve prepared the East Wing suite for you. It gets the most morning sunlight and overlooks the rose gardens!"
As Mrs. Gable guided Della through the grand foyer—featuring double marble staircases and crystal chandeliers—Della felt an overwhelming sense of warmth wash over her.
Her suite was larger than her entire former apartment. It featured a plush king-sized bed wrapped in Egyptian cotton, a private fireplace, a massive walk-in closet stocked with beautiful clothes in her exact size, and a sunroom filled with lush green plants.
Adjoining her bedroom was a newly renovated, fully furnished nursery—painted in soft lavender and cream tones, complete with a hand-carved wooden crib, soft plush toys, and shelves filled with classic children's books.
Della stood in the center of the nursery, her hand pressed against her mouth, completely speechless.
Jaxson stepped into the doorway, leaning against the frame with his arms crossed. "Is it to your liking? If you want to change the colors or furniture, I can have a team—"
"It's perfect," Della sobbed happily, turning around and running up to him, throwing her arms around his neck in an impulsive hug. "Jaxson, it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen..."
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Jaxson froze for a brief second, unaccustomed to physical affection. But as he felt her warm, fragile frame against his chest, his arms slowly wrapped around her waist, pulling her close, resting his chin gently against the top of her head.
"You deserve beauty, Della," he whispered into her soft hair. "You deserve the world."
