Chapter 45: A cherished memory

*sobs*

In the garden of the Kingston mansion bathed in the soft glow of the late afternoon sun, a small figure sat hidden among the roses. Her knees pulled to her chest as quiet sobs shook her tiny frame.

Five-year-old Arabella buried her face in her hands, tears slipping through her fingers and dropping like tiny jewels onto her lap.

'Why is everyone saying that?' She wondered to herself tearfully.

'Why does mother say that cousin and her family stole everything from us?'

Young Arabella was lost in her sadness when a voice broke through the sound of her sniffles. "Why are you here crying?"

Startled, Young Arabella hastily turned around and saw a boy about her age with neat dark hair and eyes. He stared blankly at her tear-stricken face.

''W-Who are you?'' She quickly turned back, feeling embarrassed at being caught. Her mother had always cautioned her not to appear this way in the presence of others.