Together, Orion and Elara stepped into the mansion's main hall.
And then— Both froze.
Seated gracefully across from Lady Celia was an impossibly beautiful figure.
A cascade of deep-black hair, rich as the midnight sky, tumbled down her back in smooth waves, catching the light like molten silk. Her golden eyes gleamed, carrying an intoxicating allure, mysterious yet playful, as if she knew far more than she let on. Her skin was like porcelain, flawless and luminous beneath the warm glow of the chandeliers. A beautiful purple dress, sinfully form-fitting, clung to her curves in all the right ways, enhancing the natural elegance of her poised posture.
Her presence was like a melody—soft, enchanting, but with a lingering note of something unspoken, something dangerous.
Seated opposite her, Lady Celia and Lady Sera sipped their tea, their expressions composed yet undeniably intrigued. A knowing glint flickered in their eyes as they observed their guest.
Orion's brows lifted slightly.
"Miss Laura?"
At once, all three women turned toward him.
Laura's gaze softened—no, it shimmered with a quiet thrill. Her lips curving into a slow, teasing smile. She moved with a grace so effortless it seemed practiced, the sway of her hips barely perceptible yet deliberate. Each step was measured, confident—as if she were not simply walking toward him, but drawing him into her rhythm.
When she finally reached him, she tilted her head, dark locks shifting like liquid obsidian over her shoulder. With an elegant bow, she spoke, her voice rich and velvety.
"Greetings, Lord Orion."
She executed a graceful bow, her lashes lowering in an elegant sweep before lifting once more, her golden eyes locking onto his.
Beside Orion, Elara stiffened.
Laura turned to her with a sweet yet completely insincere smile. "And a greeting to you as well, Lady Elara."
Elara's hands curled into tight fists at her sides. It wasn't just the words; it was the tone, the calculated softness that felt more like an act than genuine warmth.
She didn't trust her.
She didn't like her.
Orion, meanwhile, remained composed, though a flicker of wariness passed through his gaze. "Miss Laura, it's good to see you, but… may I ask the reason for your visit?"
Laura's lips curved into a slow smirk. She placed a delicate hand on her cheek, feigning innocence. "Oh my, am I not allowed to visit a dear friend?"
Orion's expression didn't change, but internally, he hesitated. Dear Friend? Since when were we—
Before he could respond, Elara scoffed, crossing her arms. "I don't think Brother is your Dear friend or—"
Her voice was sharper than intended, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. The air grew heavy as Lady Celia and Lady Sera exchanged a glance—one filled with knowing amusement.
Elara faltered, suddenly realizing her mistake.
Laura, ever the opportunist, turned toward the two older women, her expression softening into something almost… endearing.
"Lady Celia, Lady Sera, surely I'm not unwelcome in your home to meet my friend?" Her voice dripped with the perfect balance of respect and charm. Her golden eyes widened, round with false innocence.
Lady Celia smiled, tilting her head slightly as if appraising the young merchant.
"Of course not, dear. If you're a friend of Orion and Elara, then you're welcome anytime."
Friend. There it was again.
Laura turned to Orion and Elara; her gaze filled with quiet mischief. "See? I came to visit you, and Lady Celia and Lady sera Both also approves."
Orion exhaled quietly, shaking his head. His gaze flickered toward his mother, who—along with Mother Sera—now wore barely concealed smirks. They knew exactly what Laura was doing. And yet, they found it thoroughly entertaining.
Then, as if deciding to fan the flames, Lady Sera set down her teacup, her voice laced with amusement.
"Orion, why don't you take Laura for a walk in the garden? It seems she has much to talk about."
Orion's entire body went rigid.
Did my own mother just—?!
Even a blind and dumb man could see the implication in her words.
"Mother, I—"
But Laura was quicker.
"I would love to," she interjected smoothly. She turned to Orion, golden eyes glinting. "Shall we, Lord Orion?"
Orion groaned internally. There's no way out of this, is there?
Before he could accept, a sharp voice cut through the air.
"Mother!"
Elara turned to Lady Sera; eyes wide with disbelief. "Why would you—"
Lady Sera gave a small sigh, but she maintains her smile. "Come sit with your mother's, Elara. Let them talk."
Elara stiffened. "B-But I… I will also be going with Brother—"
Lady Celia, this time, spoke her voice was gentle but firm. "Come, sit with us, dear."
Elara opened her mouth to protest again, but the moment she met her mothers' expectant gazes.
Elara opened her mouth to argue again but the moment she met her mothers' gazes, she realized she had not any choice. She glanced toward Orion, then toward Laura, who was watching her with a small, victorious smile.
Her stomach twisted.
With a defeated groan, she stomped over to the couch, plopping herself down between them with an exaggerated huff. Her arms crossed; her lips pressed into a stubborn pout.
Laura giggled softly before turning back to Orion. "Shall we?"
Orion sighed. "Let's go."
With that, he turned and walked toward the exit.
Laura, ever graceful, gave a respectful bow to Lady Celia and Lady Sera before following him.
Elara, watching them leave, gritted her teeth.
"I really don't like her," she muttered.
Lady Celia and Lady Sera merely smiled.
----------
The garden of the Vale estate stretched before them, an enchanting masterpiece of nature's beauty. Tall, ancient trees stood as silent sentinels, their branches heavy with blossoms of every imaginable hue—soft pinks, deep reds, and brilliant whites. Vines of luminescent ivy curled around marble arches, shimmering under the golden rays of the setting sun. A winding stone path led through clusters of delicate bluebell flowers, their petals swaying in the gentle breeze. The scent of fresh roses mixed with the faint, sweet fragrance of lilac, creating an intoxicating aroma that lingered in the air.
Laura took a slow step forward, her golden eyes gleaming with unmasked admiration.
"This place is beautiful…" she murmured, running her fingers along a velvety red rose.
Her voice carried a rare softness, one devoid of flirtation or charm.
Orion stood slightly behind her, arms crossed, observing her. She looked utterly captivated, as if she had stepped into a dream. The way her gaze moved, taking in every detail—the flowers, the carefully arranged trees, the soft whisper of leaves in the wind—reminded him of a painter admiring a masterpiece.
For a moment, he saw her in contrast to the garden—her flowing black hair against the emerald backdrop, her purple dress a striking contrast to the sea of soft petals. Most men would have been captivated by this image.
But Orion was not most me
Still, he noticed something different about her today. There was no mask. No teasing smirks. No seductive glance.
She turned to him suddenly, her golden eyes meeting his blue ones. For the first time, her smile wasn't teasing or calculated. It was real. Warm. Beautiful.
"You know lord Orion, I have a little hobby," she admitted softly. "Gardening. I love watching things grow, shaping a place into something beautiful."
Orion's brow arched slightly. "I wouldn't have expected that from you."
Laura let out a light laugh, brushing her hair behind her ear. "There's a lot you don't know about me and my dreams, Lord Orion."
Her voice was playful, but there was an underlying sincerity.
"And what exactly is your dream?" Orion asked.
Her expression turned wistful. She gazed at the garden once more, as if seeing something far beyond it. "To create the most beautiful garden in all of Eldora."
Orion studied her for a moment. It wasn't just a fleeting thought—it was a dream she had nurtured in her heart. He found himself admiring that.
"A grand dream," he said, his voice even. "I hope you achieve it one day."
She turned back to him, smiling. But then, her gaze flickered with something else—hesitation.
"Miss Laura, may I ask why you came to visit me so suddenly?" Orion asked, his voice calm but firm.
She tilted her head, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Is it always necessary to have a reason?"
Orion narrowed his eyes slightly. "With someone like you? Yes."
Laura let out a soft chuckle, but this time, she didn't counter him. Instead, she hesitated, her fingers lightly brushing the edge of a rose petal. When she spoke again, her voice was quieter.
"Orion… may I ask you something?"