chapter214

The pond stretched out before them, a sea of green with leaves layered thick and lush, each one glossy as polished emerald. Here and there, pink water lilies bloomed, scattered across the water like stars in the night sky.

Sunlight filtered down through the leaves, casting golden sparkles across the surface of the pond. The water shimmered, clear all the way to the bottom, and every now and then a gentle breeze would carry the sweet fragrance of the flowers, making them sway gracefully, as if they were dancing for their own delight.

"It's so beautiful, Lydia murmured.

She sat in the shade of the pavilion, lips curled in a soft smile, lost in the view. The whole scene felt impossibly peaceful, like it belonged to another world.

Connor stood beside her, watching the sunlight play along her features. She looked bright and delicate, her profile almost glowing in the afternoon light. The thought drifted through his mind, unbidden but true. No flower in this pond could compare to her.

"If you like it here, you can visit whenever you want," he said, his voice low and warm, filled with a tenderness that lingered in the air between them.

Lydia nodded, the corners of her eyes crinkling with a quiet happiness. "I'd love that."

This place really was something special. Just sitting here, surrounded by green, she could feel the tension slipping from her shoulders. The Jefferson family had invested so much in the gardens that even in the middle of summer, the air in the pavilion felt cool and fresh, the breeze soft against her skin.

"Lydia, when are you free? Can we hang out sometime?" Chris popped up beside Lydia, eyes sparkling, grinning like he'd just discovered her favorite secret.

Connor's eyes narrowed. He had just been admiring Lydia, soaking in the quiet moment, when suddenly Chris' annoying face appeared right in his line of sight. With a chilly tone, Connor said, "Go bring over the snacks and drinks for Lydia. Chris looked like he wanted to argue, but after a second, he just shrugged. "Alright, alright, I'm going."

The moment Chris was gone, Connor's stern expression melted away. A smile played at the edge of his lips.

Lydia went back to quietly admiring the flowers, her gaze soft and dreamy. Connor stayed beside her, content just to watch her, his presence steady and reassuring.

Before long, he realized she wasn't just resting her eyes. She had actually fallen asleep, her cheek nestled on her folded arms, looking for all the world like a sleepy kitten curled up on the wooden table.

She really was exhausted. These past few days, Lydia had barely slept. She'd been working late, sketching designs or keeping an eye clients then getting up early for work every morning. She barely had time to eat lunch, let alone catch a break.

Now, sitting in this quiet, breezy garden, she'd only meant to close her eyes for a moment and enjoy scent of fresh flowers. But the next thing she knew, she'd drifted off, lulted by the peace of the garden.

Connor looked at her, feeling sorry for his gift. She was still so young, but she already had so many responsibilities on her shoulders. She worked so hard, pushed herself too much.

He wished he could scoop her up and let her sleep someplace softer, but he didn't

want to wake her. She looked so precious right now.

Meanwhile, Chris jogged back to the main house in search of snacks. As he rounded the corner, he spotted Lucinda about to open a box of chocolates.

"Hold up!" he called.

Lucinda startled, then relaxed when she saw it was just Chris. For a split second, she thought Connor had come back.

But Chris walked straight over and said, "Connor told me to bring these to Lydia."

Ignoring the way Lucinda's face tightened, he gathered up all the snacks from the table, leaving only a half-finished milkshake behind.

"Grandpa, Miss Norwood, enjoy your chat," Chris said as he hurried away.

Lucinda could only watch, seething, as Chris disappeared with the treats.

Mr. Jefferson turned to a nearby servant. "Fetch the snacks from the dining room for Miss Lucinda."

Lucinda forced a polite smile. Thank you, Grandpa Samuel.

But she knew all too well that the best snacks were already gone. The chocolates she'd been eyeing had been taken, and only the leftovers remained in the dining room.

Why did Lydia always get the good stuff?

Lucinda was losing her mind all over again.