Sophie's POV
The car slowed as we approached a massive wrought-iron gate. It swung open silently, revealing a drive that seemed to stretch on forever, lined with ancient oak trees and meticulously groomed gardens. At the end of this drive, gleaming white in the late afternoon sun, stood what could only be described as a mansion.
My breath caught in my throat. Not a house—an estate. A sprawling white structure that looked like it belonged on the cover of an architectural magazine, with columns and balconies and windows that glittered like diamonds in the sunlight.
"This is... yours?" I managed, my voice faint with disbelief.
My father nodded, watching my reaction carefully. "After I got clean, I started investing. First small things, then larger ones. I was good at it—maybe too good. The money came faster than I expected, and I kept thinking I'd use it to find you and Diane, to make amends."
