---- Chapter 16: Do You Like the New Place? At exactly 7 p.m., Clara and Leo arrived at Riverbend Villas. Matt was already waiting near the gate. The moment he spotted them, he quickly walked over with a warm smile. He guided them through a beautifully manicured garden park nestled inside the complex. After weaving through the trees and hedges, they reached the inner-most area. From there, they took the elevator all the way up to the top-the 18th floor. The entire level belonged to just one unit. Matt entered a code and pushed open the door. As he stepped inside, he turned back to show Clara the passcode and explained how she could change it later. The moment Clara walked in, her eyes widened. The place was gorgeous. It was a spacious duplex with a high-end, modern design. Black, white, and gray tones dominated the color palette, with soft warm-white accents woven in. The vibe was elegant but cozy, luxurious but not showy. The floor-to-ceiling windows framed the golden hues of the setting sun, casting a warm, buttery ---- light across the floor. Directly outside, the windows looked down onto the park they'd just walked through, the central fountain sparkling in the evening glow. The view was straight out of a dream. The living room was massive, furnished with a full set of custom-designed pieces. Still, the space felt a little... untouched. Like no one had ever truly lived in it. Matt walked them through the layout. The first floor included the kitchen, dining room, and living room. Off to one side was Aaron's study. Though honestly? Calling it a "study" was a bit misleading. It was basically another master suite-complete with a full bathroom, lounge area, and office nook. At the moment, it was still empty. Matt explained that in the next couple of days, they'd be moving over Aaron's office setup from his current home. Next to the study, there was a guest room and a small. bedroom meant for household staff. Meanwhile, Leo had already taken off and raced upstairs to explore. Clara couldn't help but notice how thoughtful Matt had. been-every corner of the staircase had been padded for safety, and the carpet was plush and thick. Definitely toddler-proof. ---- Upstairs was the master suite, and it was... massive. Over 500 square feet. The bathroom alone looked like something out of a five-star hotel-soaking tub, imported tile, a rainfall shower with LED lighting. Every single fixture screamed luxury. The entire room sparkled with just one unspoken message: Expensive. Clara found herself practically glued to the bathroom. Honestly? If Matt hadn't been standing right there, she might've stripped down and jumped straight into the tub. So this is what money can buy, she thought with a sigh. Not bad. Not bad at all. The centerpiece of the bedroom was a king-sized bed. Floor-to-ceiling wardrobes lined one wall, and behind them? A full walk-in closet complete with a vanity and a jewelry cabinet that looked straight out of a fashion influencer's dream. Clara thought about her own tiny closet back home-with maybe five outfits hanging inside-and nearly blurted out, "Okay, this is way too much!" Then she heard Leo's excited voice yelling from the next room. "Mommy! Come look!" She walked over-and stopped dead in the doorway. One wall of the kid's bedroom was painted with a huge ---- Doraemon mural, complete with Nobita grinning beside him. Even the curtains and bedsheets were all Doraemon-themed. No wonder Leo was practically vibrating with joy. In the corner, there was a toy zone set up with a wooden slide. Leo was already sitting at the top of it, grinning and waving at her like he'd just hit the jackpot. Clara's heart gave the tiniest thud. Whatever else could be said about Aaron, one thing was clear-he had put real effort into making this place feel like home for Leo. Beyond Leo's room was a second bedroom. Across from that was a huge balcony-easily five hundred square feet. By now, night had fallen. The city lights stretched out in every direction, twinkling like stars. The view from here? Absolutely stunning. Matt turned to her and asked, "Ms. Hartley, just let me know when youre ready. I'll send movers to help you relocate." Clara gave a polite nod. "Sure. I'll reach out once I'm ready." Truthfully? The place was impressive. It felt like ---- walking through a perfectly staged model home. But that's all it was-impressive. It wasn't hers. She felt no real desire to move in. With Leo still clinging to the idea of staying longer, Clara gently coaxed him away, and the two of them headed back home. After they got in, Clara gave Leo a bath. Later, while drying his hair with a big fluffy towel, Leo looked up at her with sparkling eyes. "Mommy, are we really gonna live in that super pretty house?" Clara smiled and asked, "Did you like it that much?" Leo nodded like crazy. "Uh-huh! It's huge and so pretty! And Elsie's gonna live nearby too!" Clara ran her fingers through his hair and whispered, "I liked it too, sweetheart. But you know what? I really love our little place here. Just like this, with you right next to me... I feel so happy." Leo looked a bit bummed out-but only for a second. Then he threw his arms around her waist and grinned. "I'm really happy right now too, Mommy! As long as I'm with you, I'm happy anywhere!" Clara didn't even know what exactly she was struggling with. Maybe it was just the lack of belonging... the feeling that no matter how shiny that penthouse was, it ---- still wasn't home. Home was where her heart was. And right now? It was still here. So yeah... moving? That could wait. As long as she could put it off, she absolutely would.