Yesterday's revelations still linger - the divorce settlement, my newfound sense of freedom, and Olivia's unexpected proposition regarding the Lake Eldritch mansion. They're unspoken promises. With a new day, these decisions settle on me, awaiting to be made.

Outside, the city follows its rhythm, but at home, uncertainty remains all encompassing. Aislinn is up already, her energy contrasting with my contemplation. I find her sitting with her notebook and her thoughts, jotting frantically further notes on our impending decision. Our house seems to lean in, as if eavesdropping on our deliberations.

The smell of coffee provides solace amid decisions. Joining Aislinn in the kitchen, the clinking of spoons against bowls seems louder. Breakfast, usually mundane, now carries burden as we navigate the unspoken.

"Aislinn," I begin, my voice a fragile melody. "How are you feeling about everything?"

Her gaze locks with mine as if she sees straight through me. She pauses, a spoonful of cereal mid-air, to contemplate the question. "It's totally overwhelming, Mum. I mean, dealing with the divorce, leaving this place we've called home forever ... and then there's the enormous mansion we're supposed to move into. It's like I don't even know where to start."

I nod, acknowledging the tension in her words, and I truly understand. It's difficult for me too, and I'm more than twice her age. I can only imagine how this must be for her.

The clock ticks over as I find a discreet corner to dial Jake's number. Anxiety prickles as I click call. The familiar cadence of the ringing phone reverberates in my ear.

"Hey, Audrey," Jake answers. His voice is warm, and I imagine him wrapping me in a soothing embrace. "What's up?"

"I've been thinking a lot," I confess, my words almost teetering on the topic. "Olivia suggested something, and I wanted to get your thoughts on it."

We exchange pleasantries before addressing the pressing matter. Sucking in a breath, I continue. "Olivia thinks Aislinn and I could, or rather, should ... move into the Lake Eldritch mansion."

There's a pause on the other end, and I can almost hear the gears turning in Jake's mind. "The mansion? That's quite a proposal. What do you think about it?" I see what he's doing, avoiding the question by posing another question.

I hesitate. I try to imagine his thoughts before formulating my response. "It's ... daring. Olivia referred to it as a new beginning, a chance to leave the past behind. But Jake, I need to know how you feel about it. Your opinion matters. Do you think it's a good idea, or ... not so much?"

Jake ruminates before rendering his opinion. "Audrey, it's a big move, especially for Aislinn. Lakeview Hollow is a world away from the city. But, you know, it's a good place. Quiet. I think it could be a positive change for both of you."

"You really think so?" I ask, seeking reassurance.

"Yeah," he says, his voice sounding cheerful. I realise it may feel like a gigantic leap, but exploring new possibilities can lead to surprising moments of joy. "And" he pauses, a hint of nervousness in his voice, "Don't let this be the main reason at all ... But I'd love to see your beautiful face around this place." I can't help but smile at his last words.

As the conversation progresses, I gradually reveal additional details about Olivia's intriguing proposal to invest my divorce settlement in acquiring the mansion. The potential for a new chapter crafted from the remnants of the past. As Jake listens, his warm and encouraging tone conveys both understanding and support.

In the quiet interludes of our conversation, I realise that this decision isn't just about a change of scenery. It's a journey of unravelling the past and skilfully crafting a new narrative. A narrative that Jake, in his own way, is acknowledging and supporting. As we engage in an intimate conversation, it becomes a conduit to the future, allowing us to reflect and contemplate the depth of our connection. Olivia's daring suggestion brought our shared journey into sharper focus.

Shifting from the call with Jake to the meeting with Olivia, I briefly mull over the intricate complexities of the decisions at hand. The atmosphere is brimming with hope.

"Hey, Audrey," Olivia smiles, with warmth in her gaze. "Ready to dive into the next steps?"

I settle into the chair, a recognition that this meeting is more than just a casual catch-up. "Yeah, sort of," I say. "Actually, I need your guidance on this, Liv. It's a big decision."

Olivia leans forward, her expression shifting to one of focused consideration. "Let's talk about real estate. Lakeview Hollow is a unique market, but it has its charms. Property values have been steady, and there's potential for growth, especially with the town's increasing popularity with the tourist market."

As Olivia delves into the nuances of Lakeview Hollow's real estate landscape, I hang onto her every word, absorbing the information like a sponge. The market is a landscape of its own, each property marked with its own unique potential and obstacles.

"And then there's the mansion," Olivia adds, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "It's a gem waiting to be polished. If you decide to go for it, we can work on getting you a deal that aligns with your vision." She's pushy as always; pushing me towards my dream, I realise. It's slightly uncomfortable, but I've never been one to simply go for it, to chase my dreams. And without Olivia in my life, there's a good chance I'd never have the gall to do it either. I resolve the discomfort and move forward with the discussion.

As our conversation deepens, Olivia shares insights into the challenges and rewards of embarking on such a grand project. "Restoring a historic mansion is no small feat, Audrey. It will require time, resources, and a dedicated team. But the rewards-oh, the rewards can be extraordinary."

She paints a picture of a mansion transformed; its history preserved in the careful restoration of each room. Challenges encompassing structure and renovation form possibilities.

"There's a certain magic in breathing new life into something forgotten," Olivia muses, her passion clear. "The mansion could be a testament to your strength, a symbol of resilience."

Trepidation and excitement bubble within me as I listen. The decision is more than just buying property.

I chime in now, wanting to share my anxieties. "But what would I do for work, Liv? The money will only last so long, you know?"

"There are a million possibilities, Audrey. You haven't considered any of them yet?" she says.

With a shake of my head, I reply, "Well, I didn't want to get my hopes up about anything in case it doesn't pan out." Do you have any ideas?"

Olivia's eyes widen as she laughs, "Ideas? I have tonnes of them!"

"Go on," I say, encouraging her.

"Well, the most obvious one would be to create a B & B, or a hotel of some sort. But you could always do something a little more niche, like a country retreat. Or run historical walkthroughs and recreations of the old days."

She pauses, furrowing her brow and placing her finger on her chin, slipping into her familiar thinking pose. "Oh, there's that beautiful ballroom. It has the potential to be a sought-after event venue, catering to weddings, birthdays, and any other special occasion. There are so many ideas. Your imagination is the only limit, truly."

She's given me a lot to consider, and she's right. Any of those suggestions can help Aislinn and me build a life in Lakeview Hollow. But only once, the hard work is done.

Returning home, I find Aislinn in her room, engrossed in a book. Conversations from earlier echo relentlessly in my mind. I gently tap on her bedroom door before entering, the sound barely reaching her ears. Amidst a clutter of textbooks and notes, she sits, absorbed in her studies.

"Hey, Ais," I say, a smile playing on my lips. "Do you have a minute?"

She looks up, a mix of curiosity and weariness in her eyes. "Sure, Mum. What's up?"

I take a seat beside her. "I've been talking to Jake and Olivia about the idea of moving to Lakeview Hollow."

Aislinn sets her pen down, her gaze shifting from the books to me. "I've been thinking about it since last night. It'd be quite a change, wouldn't it?"

I nod, acknowledging the weight of the decision.

"Yeah, it would be. But, Ais, I want to know how you feel about it. Your perspective matters, and this decision affects you as much as it affects me."

She takes a moment, her thoughts unfolding. "It's just... a lot, Mum. Leaving the city, moving to a small town. But I also love the idea of a fresh start."

Our conversation goes beyond mere logistics, delving into the depths of Aislinn's dreams and anxieties. She bemoans the loss of the familiar, fretting about the uncertainties that are part of this transition. I listen intently, hanging on to each word with the attentiveness that only a mother can muster.

"I get it, Ais," I say, my voice a soothing. "It's a big change. But a fresh start could be amazing for both of us."

She looks at me, her eyes searching for reassurance. "Yeah, you're right there, Mum. Sometimes when I look around this house, I think of dad. It makes me sad and angry. And I honestly couldn't care less about cutting ties with Maddie. Besides, Ben and Ellie would be there, I suppose." A spark of hope ignites, as I realise she's considering the move as a genuine option for us, for our future. But I also feel a pang of guilt; have I been droning on about this too much? Have I been badgering her, nagging her?

I visualize Lakeview Hollow and the mansion as I inhale deeply. "Imagine a town where everyone knows everyone. Where we have a house with history and all sorts of stories etched into its walls. It could be an adventure, Ais, a chance to build new lives and make new memories-great memories."

Aislinn's concern transforms into curiosity, fear and excitement entwined. We address her fears, promising a future melded by our shared decisions and dreams. Her eyes hold a mixture of contemplation and vulnerability as we sit in the aftermath of our heart-to-heart.

"It's a lot to take in," I admit, breaking the silence. "Moving to a new place, especially one as different as Lakeview Hollow, is a big decision."

Aislinn nods, her expression mirroring the complexity of emotions within. "Yeah, it is. And the mansion... it sounds like a dream, but dreams can be a little scary, too."

We decide, at that moment, to give ourselves the gift of time. Time to weigh the pros and cons, time to let the idea settle and take root, or wither away. The decision to defer once more becomes a shared acknowledgment that this chapter in our lives deserves careful consideration.

"We don't need to rush. Take all the time you want to think about it, sweetheart," I suggest, a note of assurance in my voice. "Maybe you should talk with your friends for another perspective."

Aislinn smiles, a flicker of relief in her eyes. "Yeah, that sounds good. I'll let you know once I've thought it through."

She calls out to me as I leave her bedroom. "Mum..." I turn around, raising my eyebrows. She smiles and says, "I love you."

The decision will come, but it will come with a certainty born from careful consideration.

I call Jake again after dinner. His voice fills the space between us as I speak of the potential move to Lakeview Hollow. I can almost hear the cogs turning in his mind.

"So, what do you think Ais will say? What decision are you leaning to?" he muses.

I open up about Aislinn's concerns, the rollercoaster of emotions as she teeters between thrill and doubt. "Honestly Jake, I'm not sure how she's thinking. But I'm hoping she will want to move. That's what I'd like." The more I ponder a fresh start, the stronger my desire becomes to simply go for it.

Jake's response is thoughtful, a reflection of the genuine care he holds for both of us. "It's a big change, Audrey. Just give her some time. I'm sure she'll come 'round. Lakeview Hollow is a special place, and she knows that as well as we do."

The conversation turns to Olivia and Jake's genuine curiosity about her professional endeavours. "So, what's Olivia up to these days?" he asks.

I share Olivia's passion for the Lake Eldritch mansion project, even though her company isn't involved. Jake provides valuable input and suggestions, connecting with Olivia's professional world.

Late at night, I research the town, uncovering hidden gems and untold stories, until my eyes grow heavy.

Every time I close my eyes, the mansion comes back to me. Possibilities, challenges, and unspoken dreams intertwine, begging to unfold.

Was this the same sensation that had compelled Aislinn to come back to the mansion?