chapter215

By the time Chris showed up at the pond, arms full of snacks, he realized all the staff and guards who usually hung around had been sent away. He was about to head over, but a bodyguard stepped in front of him. "Mr. Jefferson says Miss Lydia is sleeping. He asked that you don't disturb her."

Chris stared in disbelief. His brother was seriously being this stingy? He used to say Chris and Lydia were a perfect match. Now he wouldn't even let Chris get close. He'd wanted to ask Lydia when she'd be free to hang out, too.

With no other choice, Chris wandered off to another little pavilion. From there, he could just barely see the main one across the pond. He squinted, trying to spot Lydia, just to check if she was really asleep. What he saw made him instantly throw a hand over his eyes.

No way. He couldn't believe it. His brother was actually sneaking a kiss from Lydia. Was this even real? What kind of man did that?

Connor just couldn't help himself. Lydia looked so peaceful and lovely while she slept that he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. He barely had time to enjoy the moment before a loud voice broke through the quiet.

"Lucinda, you can't go over there."

"Please don't make this difficult for us, Miss Lucinda."

Lucinda stood there, cake in one hand and juice in the other, looking completely fed up. "Are you deaf? I'm bringing my sister cake and juice. Just let me through."

She hadn't been able to sit still inside. When she saw all those pretty little cakes, she grabbed some as an excuse to come out here. Anything to get away for a moment and maybe see what was happening.

"Miss Lucinda, Miss Lydia is asleep. Mr. Jefferson said nobody is allowed to disturb her," the bodyguard replied, not budging an inch.

Lucinda was about to explode. How was Lydia even sleeping out here? It was blazing hot and there wasn't even a decent place to sit, let alone nap. Only someone who grew up in the countryside could fall asleep anywhere.

Her mind raced, and she raised her voice. "If I don't bring these cakes over now, the cream's going to melt. Just let me drop them off, I won't bother her, I swear."

"That won't be necessary."

Connor's icy voice cut through everything. Lucinda looked up and saw him standing tall on the wooden bridge, the flowers behind him making him look even more cold and untouchable.

"Connor!" she called, her voice shaky with hope.

Connor's face just tightened in annoyance. Was this girl incapable of listening? "If you keep making noise, I'll have you thrown out." He turned away without giving her another look.

Lucinda felt like she'd been slapped with a bucket of freezing water. Did he really just say that? Throw her out? Her eyes stung. She couldn't believ@how quickly everything had changed. Connor had never treated her this way before. Ever since Lydia showed upft was like she'd become invisible.

Chris heard the whole thing and wandered over, spotting Lucinda standing there about to cry. "You're not my brother's type. You're just wasting your time," he said, trying to sound gentle.

Lucinda glared at him like she wanted to murder him.

He just shrugged. "I'm being honest."

Lucinda glanced back at the pond, then spun around and stormed off.

Chris let out a laugh. "She really

thinks too highly of herself," he muttered. Honestly, Lucinda wasn't just wrong for his brother she wasn'this type either. She was spoiled, dramatic, and impossible to please. Who could put up with that?

When Connor finally came back to the pavilion, he found Lydia already awake. His expression darkened. He blamed Lucinda for ruining the peace.

"Did we wake you?"

Lydia smiled up at him, looking a little sleepy but relaxed. I feel much better after a short nap."

Connor walked over, his eyes softening. "I'll have a daybed brought out here tomorrow. Next time you visit, you'll have somewhere comfortable to sleep."

Lydia laughed. That's sweet, but you don't have to trouble yourself.

She was so busy these days, she honestly didn't know when she'd get the chance to come back.