Chapter 782
The sound of the alarm ringing for what felt like the hundredth time finally forced Naomi to open her eyes. It felt as though she had only just fallen asleep, but the moment she focused on the numbers displayed on her phone screen, she immediately threw back the covers.
“Oh my God! How did I wake up this late?”
Naomi had never expected to sleep so deeply and without interruption. Especially not in someone else’s home
A home that was still so unfamiliar to her, yet somehow felt warm, welcoming, and filled with love.
And perhaps her conversation with Lydia and Cale had eased her heart far more than she realized.
At the very least, there were no misunderstandings left between her and Lydia.
The last thing Naomi wanted was to become a source of trouble in a marriage that seemed so harmonious, so full of affection, with two people who protected and cared for each other in their own unique ways.
Slowly, she climbed out of bed and ran a hand through her slightly messy hair. The late afternoon sunlight streaming through the window bathed the room in a comforting glow. From the large window beside her bed, she could see a beautifully maintained garden stretching across the grounds.
For a brief moment, Naomi simply stood there, quietly taking in the peace.
It was a feeling she had rarely experienced since her life had been turned upside down.
But the moment she opened her bedroom door, reality quickly reminded her that she still had to face the world outside.
The hallways of the Miller mansion were calm and orderly. Several staff members moved through the corridors carrying trays of food and stacks of freshly laundered linens. They greeted Naomi politely, and she returned their greetings with a small smile that still felt a little awkward.
She had only taken a few steps when she spotted Eli emerging from the far end of the hallway, several books tucked securely in her arms.
“Oh. You’re awake.”
Naomi smiled sheepishly. “I think I really did sleep way too long.”
Eli laughed softly. “Grace was actually starting to wonder if you planned to sleep until tonight.”
Naomi immediately shook her head. “I was just exhausted.”
“That’s perfectly fine,” Eli replied cheerfully. “Honestly, when I’m really tired, sleeping longer feels amazing.”
The two of them shared a small laugh.
A moment later, Naomi’s eyes followed Eli’s path and noticed she was heading away from the central part of the house. “Where are you going?”
Eli stopped and pointed toward the right wing of the mansion. “Over there.”
“Is everyone else there too?”
“No,” Eli answered. “They’re all in the family room.”
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A deep frown appeared on Naomi’s face. “Then why are you going in the opposite direction?”
Eli looked as though she was trying hard not to smile. “Because we’ve been told not to go there.”
Naomi’s confusion only deepened. “Not allowed?”
“Not like that.” Eli let out a soft laugh at the expression on her face. “Uncle Cale said there’s an important family discussion going on. So Josh, Grace, even Chase were all told to stay in the right wing and keep themselves occupied until it’s over.”
The moment Cale’s name came up, Naomi immediately felt that something was off.
“An important discussion?”
Eli nodded. Her expression softened slightly. “And it seems that discussion is about you.”
Naomi’s heart immediately skipped a beat. “About me?”
“Uncle Cale said you should come once you wake up.” Eli tilted her head. “So if I were you, I’d head there right away before he comes looking for you himself.”
The last part sounded like a joke, but for some reason, it still made Naomi nervous.
“Alright.”
Eli smiled. “See you later.”
Naomi gave a small nod before continuing toward the main family room.
The closer she got, the more questions crowded her mind. If this was supposed to be a family discussion, why was she involved? Wasn’t she an outsider? Someone who had nothing to do with the Miller family?