Chapter 7: The Garden Knew First
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Mara looked at her with concern.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQv2QAU33VL
“Are you alright, madam?”
“Yes,” Irina replied softly, holding her chest, her thoughts tangled in confusion and fear.
She lay back down on the bed, slipping into the familiar spiral of overthinking.
A few moments later, Mara’s voice called again, louder this time.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJTALhYaij
“Madam? Madam!”
Irina stirred.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaZimrGbTu
“Yes?”
“I heard Mr. Victor is hosting a party tonight for the Hale family. Is that true?”
Irina suddenly sat up, startled.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNog8tH2AYD
“Oh! Yes… I almost forgot. Father wants that.”
“That means,” Mara said cheerfully, “you’ll meet Mr. Walston!”
Irina didn’t answer right away. She was still lost in thought.
“Madam? Madam?” Mara called again, this time with a playful laugh.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGYr2C0yyT
“What are you thinking? I think you’re thinking about the dress, aren’t you?”
Irina blinked and gave a faint smile.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9cGo07PWU
“Oh… yes.”
But her smile didn’t reach her eyes.
Why would he say that?9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjwgtjlspn
Her thoughts echoed in her mind.
I thought he wanted me to leave this house… to disappear from their eyes.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhpQxujF8e
Then why would he say something like that?
Irina walked slowly to her bedroom window, drawing the curtain aside. The golden light of late afternoon bathed the garden in warmth. She took a deep breath, letting it steady her unsettled heart.
Then she saw him.
Stephen stood in the garden, hands in his pockets, the wind gently tugging at his shirt. He looked lost in thought. As if sensing her gaze, he turned — and their eyes met.
Irina gasped softly and instinctively stepped behind the curtain.
Why did I hide from him like that? she wondered, pressing her palm against the cold glass.
Curiosity tugged at her again. She peeked out once more and saw Stephen now standing beside her father.
“Irina!” her father’s voice called from below. “Come here.”
She hesitated, then left her room and walked into the garden.
Victor greeted her with a warm but firm tone.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGM48cEHFwV
“I wanted to talk to you about tonight.”
Stephen didn’t look at her—not even once. His eyes were fixed on the old tree at the far end of the garden. The same tree under which Irina used to paint as a child.
Victor continued, “I’ve decided to invite the Hale family. I need to discuss some matters with them. And I think it’s important you all begin to get along.”
He turned to Stephen.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIjvZE4fLN
“And you—no mistakes like last time. Their daughter will be here tonight. I want you to make a good impression.”
Stephen finally glanced at Irina, just for a moment.
“Don’t worry, Father,” he said, his eyes unreadable. “You won’t be disappointed tonight.”
Inside the Mansion
Celestra moved briskly through the hallway, her eyes scanning every detail—the servants, the decorations, and fresh roses in the air. Everything had to be perfect. Tonight mattered.
Satisfied, she turned and stepped into Stephen’s room without knocking.
“Oh, my darling,” she cooed, eyes lighting up as she looked at him, “you’re looking so handsome tonight.”
Stephen smirked slightly, adjusting his cufflinks.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcFvZq1mA0
“Mother, I look handsome every time. Don’t you think?”
Celestra chuckled, walking over to him.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MIuKswZk1
“Oh yes, you do,” she said playfully, smoothing his collar. Then her tone shifted—calm but pointed.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3M2Z3ieLJ
“But tonight is important. Not just for appearances, but for your future. Your name. The business.”
Stephen’s smile faded a touch, but he nodded, his expression unreadable.
Celestra stepped toward the door, pausing in the frame.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWAyUqbq81
“Make sure to make your father proud, alright?”
“Yes, Mother,” Stephen said softly, his jaw tightening slightly as the door clicked shut behind her.
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The estate glimmered like a jewel under the velvet sky. Chandeliers burned bright, golden light pouring from every window. It was a night of opulence, precision, and veiled tension.
The Hale family’s cars arrived in style, one after another gliding into the vast, marble-paved lobby. Victor stood tall beside Celestra and Stephen, ready to greet their esteemed guests.
Polite greetings were exchanged—bows, handshakes, practiced smiles. Then came a sleek black car, drawing every eye with its silent authority.
The door opened.
Walston Hale stepped out, following him, it was Sara Hale, their sister, who drew every gaze.
Elegant, dressed in a flowing, pale blue gown, her features soft and aristocratic, like a porcelain painting. She stepped out with poised grace.
“Hello, sir,” Walston said, extending a hand to Victor.
“Ah, gentlemen. Welcome. How are you?”
“Doing well, sir,” came the calm reply.
Sara offered a soft, melodic “Hello,” her voice almost musical.
Celestra stepped forward.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡam4BlhYnP9
“Oh my, you must be Sara. You’ve grown into such a beautiful young lady—just like your mother.”
With warm smiles and gentle laughter, they moved inside, the grand doors opening to reveal a glittering dining hall.
One Hour Earlier…
“Hurry, my lady—where are you now?!” Mara’s voice echoed through the corridor. But Irina was nowhere to be found.
Just an hour earlier...
“Oh, Mara—I almost forgot!” Irina exclaimed, rushing to her closet.
“Forgot what, madam? The guests will arrive any minute!”
“I have to go somewhere… Please, help me! Just this once. It’s important. Please, please!”
Mara sighed.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqn8URlPJp
“Alright, madam, but be quick!”
Clutching a small basket, Irina slipped out, avoiding the guards as she darted into the garden and toward the dense edge of the forest.
Only a short walk away, past the thickets and fallen leaves, she knelt by a small hollow under an ancient tree.
“There you are… I’m so sorry I’m late—but I brought food,” she whispered.
A month ago, during a hunting trip with her father, she had discovered a wounded baby fox. Since then, she had visited secretly every evening to feed and care for him.
“There, there. Slowly...” she said, gently petting him. “I can’t stay today, little one. I have to go now. Take care, alright?”
She gave him one last glance, then ran back. Climbing the estate wall, she jumped just as a car passed the gate.
Inside that car, Nikolai Hale caught a glimpse.
“What was that…?” he muttered, narrowing his eyes.
Back at the Mansion
Mara stood breathless as Irina burst into her room.
“Madam! You’re late—the guests have already arrived!”
“It’s fine. Help me change—quickly!”
With urgency, they dressed her in a deep crimson gown. Her skin glowed; her lips, painted like rose petals. She added a touch of perfume, looked at Mara, and said,9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJanEt317a6
“I’m ready.”
In the Lobby
Nikolai sat in his car, smoking thoughtfully.
Inside, Sara peeked out the window.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRqtWwTZ84
“Looks like Nikolai is here.”
Stephen nodded.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4f4h7YJ1s
“I’ll assist him.”
He walked out to greet him.
Nikolai stepped out—white shirt, black vest, exuding quiet power.
They shook hands.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCo754Am1R2
“Let’s go,” Stephen said.
Nikolai put out his cigarette and followed.
At the Staircase
As they entered the grand hall, Irina descended the staircase.
She looked radiant, like the flame of a candle come to life. Nikolai’s eyes were drawn to her.
He stopped.
For a brief moment, he said nothing—just watched.
Irina looked down, met his gaze, and with soft grace, said,9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqc1AAzISnr
“Hello.”
Then she passed him, her scent brushing by like a whispered memory.
Nikolai inhaled deeply, her scent lingering.
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