Chapter 6
The garden was alive with the scent of blooming flowers, their fragrance mingling with the crisp morning air.
Sophia sat in the gazebo, serene and focused, a small stone mill set before her.
An open sack lay at her feet, its chaotic contents of dried herbs and roots now meticulously sorted into neat piles.
Sophia picked up a piece of medicinal root and placed it into the mill. Her movements were slow and deliberate, as though the act of grinding carried its own sense of peace.
In front of her, a phone perched on a stand displayed the lively face of Sherry Hayes, a vibrant young woman with striking features. Sherry held a glass of red wine, her expressive gestures matching the passion in her voice. “Congrats on finally escaping that hellhole! No more slaving away for those clowns in the Stewart family!”
Sherry’s tone was dripping with satisfaction as she launched into a tirade about the Stewarts, her disdain spilling out without pause.
Before long, her rant shifted to another target. “And don’t even get me started on that idiot Ethan Baker. The nerve of him! Parading Chloe around like she’s the best thing since sliced bread. I swear, it’s like he’s daring you to show up!”
Sophia chuckled softly, her calm demeanor unshaken. “You just called him an idiot. Why waste time talking about him?”
Her voice was steady, and her words signaled a complete disinterest in Ethan or anything connected to her old life.
Sherry burst into laughter, raising her wine glass in a mock toast. “You’re right. Forget those losers. But seriously, this place looks like something out of a fairytale! Tell me, how’s the new setup! Are your new family members treating you well?”
The video captured the gazebo’s intricate details and the lush greenery surrounding it, an elegant setting that could only belong to the ultra- wealthy.
Sophia glanced briefly at the screen before returning to her work. “Believe it or not, I haven’t even met them yet.”
Sherry’s mouth fell open in disbelief. “You’re joking“
Sophia smiled faintly, unbothered. “It doesn’t matter. It’s praceful here, and Fican focus on myself for once. That’s all I really need.”
Sherry leaned closer to the screen, her disbelief giving way to a softer expression. “You’re serious? That’s actually good to hear. Isn’t that what Grandma Margaret always wanted for you? To live your life for yourself?”
Sophia’s hands paused for a moment. The mention of Grandma Margaret Steward brought a flicker of something to her otherwise calm face.
Margaret had been her only source of warmth in the Stewart family, a light in an otherwise bleak existence.
For a time, Sophia had believed that fight would always guide her. But life had proven otherwise,
“Honey, it’s all in the past now,” Sherry said gently, her voice tinged with empathy:
Sherry sighed, watching the subtle shift in Sophia’s expression–the slight downturn of her lashes, the quiet melancholy in her usually composed
That was how Sophia would look every time she heard about Grandma Margaret.
“You’ve always been like a kite, Sherry began, her tone introspective. “Soaring high, but Margaret kept that string tightly in her hand, so that you wouldn’t drift too far away. I know she loved you, but she also held you back. You gave up so much for her–staying in that toxic mess with the Stewarts, putting up with Ethan’s nonsense. But now.” Sherry set her wine glass down and looked directly at the screen. “Now, you’ve finally cut the string. I couldn’t be happier for you.”
Sophia’s lashes quivered slightly.
For a moment, the silence hung between them, broken only by the soft grinding of the mill. Finally, Sophia lifted her head, her eyes clear and composed once more, A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched her lips. “The string is cut, and there’s no tying it back
“That’s my girl” Sherry beamed, her playful energy returning as she leaned into the screen. “Alright. It’s been three whole days since you left that madhouse. Your new family hasn’t bothered to show their faces, so why don’t you ditch that palace for a while? Come out and celebrate your
freedom with me!”
Sherry’s cheerful gran lit up the screen, her warmth filling the space between them. For the first time in days, Sophia felt a genuine sense of connection, even if it was just through the lens of a phone.
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Chapter 6
Sophia’s gaze softened, her smile deepening as her starry eyes seemed to shimmer like a galaxy in motion.
“Sure, but give me a couple of days, Sophia said, holding up the powdered herbs she’d just ground. These herbs are fantastic for the skin–great for rejuvenation. I’ll make you some face masks”
Sherry’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she leaned closer to the screen, blowing exaggerated kisses. “Great, I can’t wait to see the new you. Love you. I’ll see you around.”
Sophia chuckled at her antics. After a few more playful exchanges, the call ended.
As she placed her phone aside, the sound of steady footsteps approached from behind.
Turning around, Sophia saw an old man standing at the edge of the gazebo. His chiseled features bore the remnants of a striking handsomeness from his youth, but his severe expression and penetrating gaze were enough to make anyone hesitate.
Sophia stood and wiped her hands on a clean cloth, her posture relaxed but respectful. “Grandpa.”
Her calm demeanor betrayed no awe, no eagerness to impress, nor any sign of meekness. She stood tall, composed, and self–assured, offering him only the courtesy due to family.
Edward studied her intently, his gaze deepening as he observed her.
This young woman… There was something in her that echoed his own younger self
It wasn’t just her composed features but the quiet confidence she exuded
Sophis didn’t cower, nor did she fawn over Edward, which set her apart from nearly everyone he dealt with
Edward, who had approached out of obligation, found his interest unexpectedly piqued. “How’s your life at home?” he asked, his tone sharp but not unkind.
Sophia’s lips curved into a faint smile. “The house is beautiful, and I’ve adjusted just
fine.
Her smile, though light and polite, carried no warmth or familial closeness. It was an answer designed to meet the question but not invite further discussion
Edward’s thoughts wandered briefly to Walter’s earlier comment about her dining alone and appearing lonely. His brow furrowed slightly. “Do you feel lonely here?”
Sophia’s smile grew a touch more genuine. Her expression softened as she responded with a confident, unshaken warmth. For a moment. there a glimmer of vulnerability in her demeanor–a rare flash of feeling
“Not at all,” she said. This is my home. How could I possibly feel lonely at home??
Was
Edward blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the simplicity yet depth of her response. His typically stern expression softened ever so slightly.
Initially, Edward had come out of obligation, prompted by Walter’s earlier remarks. His intent was simple to give Sophia a quick, formal introduction before returning to more pressing matters.
But now… now he found himself unexpectedly intrigued.
Edward glanced at the sack and stone mill nearby. “What are you working on?”
Sophia gestured to the herbs before her. “Im grinding medicinal herbs,” she replied, sitting back down. Picking up a few sprigs, the held them up for Edward to see. These were gifts for the Stewarts, prepared by Walter when he came to pick me up. They didn’t want them, and honestly, I don’t think we owe them a gift anyway. So, they’re mine now.”
Edward raised an eyebrow at her candid tone but showed no objection. “You’re a Roscente. You have every right to decide what to do with them” His attention lingered on the herbs for a moment before shifting to her hands. “You know how to handle herbs?”
Sophia nodded, her response modest. “Yes, although not that much”
Reaching into the sack, she pulled out a small wooden box and stepped forward to hand it to him. “Walter mentioned you often deal with family affairs, which brings on frequent headaches and chest tightness. Relying on medication helps in the short term, but over time, it will wear down your body. After all…” She paused briefly before continuing with calm resolve, “you’re not getting any younger”
Her tone was even and respectful, but there was no trace of hesitation or flattery–just straightforward honesty.
Behind her, Walter froze, his eyes widening as he barely stifled a gasp. Oh no. She’s gone and done it now! he thought, practically holding his
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Chapter 6
breath. Age is Mr. Roscente’s sore spot. He’s going to explode!
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