Her words worked on him like magic. She was dressed in a delicate pink gown, her hair pulled back into a neat, elegant bun perched above her head. She looked every bit a little princess stepped straight out of a fairytale.

"Aahhhmm! Good afternoon, Master Leoandro..."

The soft voice broke through the silence. The two children, busy peeking out of the window and lost in the splendour of the garden beyond, startled at the sound. Turning, they were met by a motherly figure, her warm presence filling the room.

They hadn't even noticed Nanny Maria beside them, holding a tray laden with milk and biscuits.

"Oh! My goodness! I wasn't expecting a guest, let alone such a beautiful one," Maria exclaimed cheerfully, her eyes twinkling with surprise and delight. "Might I request your introduction, young lady?"

Her cheer was genuine, but it carried something more: relief. For the first time in a long while, Master Leoandro was speaking freely, even agreeing to open the curtains-a rare moment that lightened Maria's heart.

"My name is Elizabeth Ackford," the girl replied softly, her voice carrying a genteel poise. "I arrived in Eithanburg with my parents to attend the Ball."

She bowed her head graciously and swept her gown slightly to one side in an elegant curtsey, her upbringing shining through the practiced gesture. Maria's brows lifted with surprise, but her smile only grew warmer.

"Oooh... my dear Lord!" Maria exclaimed, clasping her hands together. "Then you must be the child everyone is searching for. Your poor parents are looking for you in every nook and cranny of the estate! They've turned the entire place upside down. Why, even Lord Hughes has dispatched half his household of servants to aid in the search. My dear young lady, you really must return to your parents. It is most irresponsible to vanish from the ballroom without a word."

Her tone carried a scolding edge, but softened with maternal concern as she set the tray down upon the centre table.

Elizabeth's features immediately fell with guilt. Lowering her head, she whispered remorsefully, "Oh, it was never my intention... I am truly sorry for the trouble I've caused."

Maria sighed softly, not wishing to frighten her. "Sweetheart, I meant no harm. I shall go inform your parents at once. Until then, do stay here and enjoy Master Leoandro's company. I shall send someone up with a glass of milk."

With that, she left briskly, skirts swaying gracefully as she disappeared through the doorway.

In little time, Maria found Mr and Mrs Ackford and delivered the good news. They rushed upstairs immediately, Viscount Hughes and his wife following close behind.

When the parents entered the room, their sight was blessed: the children were chatting merrily, their laughter echoing softly like music. Relief washed over them, as both families realised that their little ones had discovered something rare-companionship.

After pleasantries were exchanged, Lord Ackford gently called for his daughter. As Elizabeth approached the door, she was stopped by a hesitant yet earnest voice.

"Elizabeth! May I... may I call you 'Beth'? And when will you visit me again?"

Leoandro's words carried a timid hope. It was the first time in years he had felt ease in someone's presence-the same comfort he had once known in the company of his brother. He was desperate to hold on to it.

Elizabeth turned, her sweet eyes glimmering. "Yes, of course! But I shall ask one thing in return. I will call you 'Leo'. And as for visiting, well-there will be no waiting. For we are neighbours, are we not?"

She spoke with innocent delight, waving warmly at him before hopping into her carriage. Leo watched her go, a smile tugging at his lips; for the first time in what felt like an eternity, his eyes carried a light of happiness.

From that day, their lives intertwined like the roots of a young tree. They sought each other daily, friendship blooming between them.

One afternoon in the garden, as the sun melted gold upon the grass, Leo's fragile mask cracked. His grief spilled forth like a long-buried storm.

"It's my fault, Beth... I-I shouldn't have taken him out there," he sobbed, his small fists trembling. "He said he wanted to see the sun one last time... so I took him... I drove his cart into the garden. Mother had forbidden it, but I wanted... I wanted him to smile. Only for a moment."

His eyes burned with unshed tears, words twisting into broken fragments. "He was a quiet child... always so sad... and now... now he is gone because of me. I should have listened."

The guilt weighed on him like shackles, crushing not only his laughter but what remained of his light-hearted youth. But with Beth, he could grieve openly. She did not judge. She only listened.

Their bond deepened, each day painting another stroke of closeness. But such bliss is fragile.

Two years later, news came of Elizabeth's grandfather gravely ill in the countryside. Her parents decided to leave Eithanburg, and with them went Beth-the girl who had become part of Leo's soul.

The farewell carved him hollow. He sealed himself away once more, cocooning his heart in silence.

Time flowed. Years passed. By nineteen, Leo had endured losses that etched scars into his very nature. His father's death when he was only twelve had torn the ground from under him. A once joyous household of four had dwindled to only two. Responsibility as Viscount weighed heavily on his young shoulders, and his mother's fragile emotions only deepened the solitude.

The boy who once laughed in the garden had hardened into a man of cold steel.

At last, fate drew them together again. The Ackfords returned to Eithanburg-this time seeking a suitor for their daughter.

It was at a ball where Beth found him. She spotted him descending from a carriage, tall and imposing. He wore a black dress coat, fitted trousers, and carried a cane, his hat tilted with sophisticated confidence. He was every inch the gentleman, and yet his presence commanded both admiration and unease.

"Morning, Leo!" Beth called, her voice bright but unrestrained, dismissing propriety in her eagerness. "It's me-Beth."

But he turned with the detachment of a stranger.

"Ah... Miss Ackford, is it?" His tone was polite, formal. "Good morning. Forgive me, but it has been so long I could scarcely be certain. Now, if you'll excuse me, may I enter the building?"

Not a glance more. He stepped past her without hesitation, leaving Beth rooted to the spot in shock.

Her heart twisted. Coldness radiated from him, so unlike the boy she had once known. And yet, not far off, she heard him with others-easy laughter spilling from his lips as he charmed maidens, their coy giggles responding in kind.

Beth's chest clenched with anger, betrayal, and something she could not name. Her eyes stung with tears she fought to hold back. The bitter sting of rejection, unspeakable after years of cherished memory, broke through in a sharp whisper between trembling lips.

"Bloody wretch..."

...................
🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚

AUTHOR CORNER

What happen between them huh!?

How Beth will get along with this grumpy Leo??

Leo had a lot to share..Stay tuned with him...

Share your opinion...