Bemused, Yasmin sipped her coffee and took a big bite out of the scone as she stepped out of the French doors leading to the back yard. Not just a back yard, but a stretch of manicured lawn that went on for what looked like several acres before ending at a beach, the sparkling blue waters of the Black Sea beyond.

It was breathtaking and for a single moment, Yasmin took the time to breathe in the fresh air, feel the warmth of the sun on her head and shoulders, and enjoy the taste of the heavenly, buttery scone on her tongue.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” the maid said with pride, standing next to her.

Yasmin looked at the woman. “Were you told to keep an eye on me?” It would have been impossible to leave the top floor suite and get past her without being noticed. On top of that, she hadn’t left Yasmin’s side since the tour began.

“Mr. Volkan asked me to help you find your way around,” she said as she averted her eyes.

Yasmin looked at her shrewdly. “He also told you I wasn’t to be left alone, didn’t he?”

The girl was saved from admitting the truth when Narin joined them on the patio. “Thank you for showing Yasmin around her new home, Alena,” Narin said in a warm but firm voice. “I’ll take care of her now. See if Defne needs anything. I believe she’s sleeping in this morning.”

“Of course, ma’am,” Alena replied, then walked swiftly away.

Narin turned her smile on Yasmin, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. She nodded at the cup of coffee in Yasmin’s hand. “Why don’t we sit while you finish that, then I’ll show you around the grounds.”

Together, they sat at a small white wicker breakfast table with a glass top. Brightly patterned cushions saved the chairs from being uncomfortable. Narin’s gaze drifted over Yasmin’s features and once again a haunted expression crept onto her face.

“Do I look so much like your ex-daughter-in-law?” Yasmin asked bluntly.

A sigh escaped Narin’s lips and she folded her hands in her lap and leaned back in her chair. “Yes, you do. It’s not an exact likeness, but close enough to be spooky. Your skin is darker than Caria’s and her hair was brown, rather than black, but your features…” she trailed off, gazing at Yasmin but looking through her, as if picturing the other woman.

“Do you… do you think he brought me here because I look like her?” Yasmin asked cautiously.

Narin frowned. “I’m sure that’s not true. Perhaps he was struck by your appearance at first, but he wouldn’t marry you solely for the way you look.”