Chapter 228
Ele POV
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As we stepped into the Hamilton family’s elegant sitting room, I was immediately struck by the warmth that enveloped us. The contrast
from the biting winter alt outside was almost overwhelming, and I couldn’t help but sigh in relief.
“Oh my goodness, I breathed, pulling off my gloves. This feels amazing.
Mrs. Hamilton beamed with pride as she gestured for us to take seats near the fireplace. ‘We always keep the sitting room extra warm
during winter. I had Martha prepare some special warming tea for you, dear. Given your condition, I thought you might appreciate
something to help with circulation.”
A staff member appeared almost instantly with a delicate china service, the aromatic steam rising from the cups promising immediate
comfort. I accepted the cup gratefully, taking a careful sip.
“This is incredible,” I said, my eyes lighting up with genuine appreciation. “There’s something so unique about the blend – it’s like nothing
I’ve ever tasted before.” I leaned forward slightly, adopting a playful tone. “You know, I had the most amazing South African tea yesterday,
and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. This time, Mrs. Hamilton, you’re not going to be stingy with me, are you? I’d love to try
whatever treasures you have.”
The effect was immediate. Mrs. Hamilton laughed delightedly, while Mr. Hamilton chuckled from his chair. I could see them both relaxing, their initial stiffness around their human guest melting away.
“What a delightful young woman,” Mrs. Hamilton said to Victoria, her approval evident. “So refreshing and honest.”
I noticed Victoria’s expression soften, a small smile playing at her lips as she watched me interact with her family.
“Peter,” Mrs. Hamilton called to her son, “would you mind going to your father’s study and wrapping up some of that Rooibos blend for
Elle? The one from the Cederberg Mountains.”
“Of course, Mother, Peter replied, his voice much warmer than it had been since we arrived. “I’ll package some of the best selections.”
“I think I need some air, Calista announced suddenly, her voice tight with suppressed emotion. “I’m feeling rather tired. All this….. is
overwhelming.”
Mrs. Hamilton looked at her daughter with concern. “Are you feeling unwell, sweetheart?
‘I’m just tired, Calista replied, not looking at me. “It’s been a long morning, and I think I’ll rest in my room for a while.”
She swept out of the room without another word, leaving a trail of tension behind her.
Victoria turned to Mrs. Hamilton with a questioning look. “Is everything alright with Calista? She seems rather upset.”
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Mrs. Hamilton sighed. “I honestly don’t know what’s gotten into her lately. Her moods are so unpredictable. Please don’t take her behavior
personally, Elle. She’s just… going through something.”
I shook my head with what I hoped was an understanding smile. “Not at all. We all have difficult days.”
But internally, I made a mental note. I hadn’t forgotten our previous encounters, and clearly neither had she.
Mr. Hamilton cleared his throat, clearly wanting to move past the awkward moment. “I’m afraid I have some business to attend to, but
please, make yourselves comfortable.”
As he excused himself, Peter returned with a beautifully wrapped package.
“The tea selections, he announced, handing me the package with a genuine smile.
“You’re so thoughtful,” I said warmly.
With Mr. Hamilton gone, Mrs. Hamilton continued our conversation, but I found myself curious about the Hamilton mansion’s design. The
modern aesthetic was so different from what I was used to.
Peter seemed to notice my interest. “Are you finding the style here comfortable? I know it’s quite different from Blair family homes.”
“It’s beautiful,” I replied honestly. “Though I have to admit, I do prefer the more traditional layouts of the Blair estate. There’s something
so welcoming about those older designs.”
Peter nodded thoughtfully. “I’ve always admired the Blair family’s approach to interior design. There’s such warmth and livability in those
spaces.”
He paused for a moment, then his face brightened with an idea. “Would you like to see our conservatory? I designed it myself – it’s a
modern take on traditional greenhouse concepts. I think you might find it interesting.”
I looked at the package in my hands, then back at Peter with curiosity. “That sounds lovely. I’d love to see it.”
Mrs. Hamilton nodded approvingly. “What a wonderful idea. Peter put so much work into that project.”
Victoria also seemed pleased with the suggestion. “Go ahead, dear. I’ll enjoy catching up here.”
So with Alex trailing behind us, I followed Peter through the elegant hallways of the Hamilton mansion. He led us to what appeared to be
a separate wing of the house, and when he opened a set of double doors, I gasped in genuine amazement.
Before us stretched an enormous, completely transparent conservatory that seemed to glow with its own inner light. The space was
massive, rising three full stories with flowers and plants arranged in cascading tiers that created a layered, mountain–like effect. The air
was warm and humid, filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers.
“Oh my God, I breathed, stepping inside. “This is incredible.”
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Chapter 228
delicate orchids, bold tropical blooms,
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The beauty was almost overwhelming. Everywhere I looked, flowers bloomed in riot of colors
climbing vines heavy with blossoms. The design created natural viewing areas and walking paths that wound through the different levels.
Peter blinked rapidly. “Oh, yes… allergies can be quite limiting.”
I continued exploring, taking in every detail. “Peter, I had no idea you had this kind of talent! This conservatory is absolutely stunning –
it’s the most beautiful indoor garden I’ve ever seen.”
Peter was watching me intently, and when I glanced back at him, he said quietly, “As long as you like it.”
C
“Alex, I called to my assistant, “could you get my phone? I have to take some pictures of this.”
Alex handed me my phone, and I started snapping photos from different angles, trying to capture the magical quality of the space. I selected the best shots and quickly uploaded them to my social media accounts.
“These photos don’t even do it justice,” I said, scrolling through the images on my phone. “The way the light plays through all these layers… it’s like something out of a fairy tale.”
Peter moved closer, his voice gentle. “If you really like it, you should take some plants home with you. Many of these flowers are actually beneficial for pregnant women.”
My eyes lit up with excitement. “Really? I could actually take some of these beautiful flowers home?”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
