Free Sample
Preview from chapter one
Humming to herself as she flits from room to room, Samantha moves with a grace that belies her age. She's dressed in a figure-hugging yoga outfit that showcases her toned physique, a result of her rigorous exercise regimen. The scent of lavender cleaning spray fills the air, mingling with the faint aroma of cookies baking in the oven. She pauses for a moment in the hallway, glancing at the family portrait hanging there. A smile flits across her lips as she reminisces about simpler times. With a sigh, she shakes her head, pushing the nostalgia aside to tackle the next task on her to-do list.
With her honey-blonde hair tied back in a loose ponytail, Samantha's youthful features are framed by a few artful streaks of gray. Her eyes, a piercing shade of blue, sparkle with the wisdom of her years and the mischief of a thousand untold stories. A few freckles dance across her nose, remnants of carefree summer days spent in the sun. She carries herself with an air of confidence and poise that can only come from knowing one's own worth and being comfortable in their skin. The soft fabric of her yoga outfit clings to her curves, highlighting the muscles honed from hours at the gym and the occasional jog around the neighborhood. Her skin is tanned from those same sunlit afternoons and glows with good health. She's the epitome of a modern, vibrant woman who's not afraid to show the world she's still got it.
As Samantha ascends the stairs, her footsteps echo through the otherwise quiet house. She's aware of the emptiness, a stark contrast to the days when the stairs were a racetrack for her and Josh. At the top, she pushes open the door to the master bathroom, revealing a space that's a sanctuary of white marble and chrome. The scent of her favorite eucalyptus and mint bath bomb fills the air, a testament to her recent indulgence in a long, relaxing soak. She begins to wipe down the gleaming surfaces with a microfiber cloth, her thoughts drifting to the upcoming dinner she's planning for her son. It's his 19th birthday, and she wants it to be special. She glances at the bathtub, an idea forming in her mind. Perhaps a surprise bubble bath, complete with candles and a glass of champagne, would be a perfect end to the evening. She smiles warmly at the thought, the lines around her eyes crinkling with affection.