The morning after the party, the mansion was unusually quiet. Sophie avoided any chance of crossing paths with Lucien, who was also staying home due to the free day granted after the event. She spent most of her day in her room, organizing her thoughts and pushing aside the memory of the unexpected kiss from the night before.
Lucien, on the other hand, noticed her absence. He felt her avoidance keenly and couldn't shake the guilt of the words she had thrown at him the night before. He knew he needed to make things right.
Evening Gesture
As the sun began to set, Sophie sat by her window, gazing at the garden. The knock on her door startled her. She hesitated before opening it, and there he stood—Lucien, holding a bouquet of vibrant flowers.
"Sophie," he began, his voice softer than usual. "I came to apologize... for everything."
She blinked, taken aback by his tone.
"I know I've hurt you," he continued. "I've kept you confined to this mansion, treated you unfairly, and taken away your freedom. I don't expect you to forgive me right away, but I want to change things."
He extended the flowers toward her. "I'm sorry that I still can't allow you to leave the wall that surrounds this estate, but from now on, you're free to roam outside the mansion—within the grounds. I'll arrange for someone to accompany you if you wish to explore more of the estate."
Sophie hesitated, her hands trembling as she accepted the bouquet. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Lucien nodded, his expression unreadable. "Take care of yourself." He turned and left, leaving Sophie standing at the door, clutching the flowers.
A Racing Heart
Back in her room, Sophie set the flowers on her desk and looked at herself in the mirror. Her cheeks were a deep shade of red, and her heart thudded in her chest. She touched the petals lightly, feeling an unfamiliar warmth spread through her.
Why does this simple gesture affect me so much? she thought, staring at her reflection.
Mrs. Madeline Return
Later that evening, Mrs. Madeline returned from the hospital. She had missed the party due to illness but had heard every detail from the staff.
As Sophie greeted her in the living room, Mrs. Madeline wasted no time. "So, Margaux was the one who helped you sneak into the party, wasn't she?"
Sophie sighed, knowing there was no point in denying it. "Yes, she was."
Mrs. Madeline shook her head, but there was a hint of a smile on her face. "You're lucky Lucien didn't punish you both. But I'm sure Margaux had her reasons."
Sophie nodded, relieved that Mrs. Madeline wasn't angrier.
Playful Teasing
When Sophie returned to her room, Margaux was lounging on the bed, reading a magazine. She immediately perked up when she saw Sophie walk in, still holding the bouquet.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" Margaux teased, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Lucien gave you flowers? And you're blushing like a schoolgirl?"
"I am not blushing!" Sophie snapped, though her crimson face betrayed her words.
Margaux smirked and sat up. "Oh, come on, Sophie. You're holding those flowers like they're the most precious thing in the world. Don't tell me your heart skipped a beat when he handed them to you."
Sophie threw a pillow at her, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Stop it! It's not like that."
Margaux dodged the pillow, laughing. "Oh, it's exactly like that. You're falling for him, aren't you? The mysterious, brooding CEO who keeps you locked away but still manages to make your heart race.Wow such an interesting love story."Margaux clapped proudly.
Sophie groaned and buried her face in her hands. "I don't know what's happening. I just… I don't want to talk about it."
Margaux grinned and patted her shoulder. "Don't worry. Love is complicated. But you have to admit, this is better than hating him, right?"
Sophie didn't respond, her mind too tangled with conflicting emotions. Instead, she focused on the bouquet, the delicate scent of the flowers filling her room as the night deepened.