Chapter 229
Elle’s POV
Peter nodded, a small smile playing at his lips. “Of course. Choose whatever catches your eye.
I looked around at the stunning array of plants, feeling almost guilty about the offer. “You know what? I feel like I’m here to raid your collection, I joked, grinning at him.
Peter burst out laughing, his formal demeanor cracking completely. “Well then,” he said with mock seriousness, “welcome to raid away. You’re not an outsider
here.”
I matched his tone, raising an eyebrow playfully. “So I shouldn’t hold back?”
“Not at all,” Peter replied warmly, and I caught something in his expression – a flicker of pain mixed with genuine affection. ‘Alex, could you make note of
the ones Elle chooses? We’ll have them prepared for transport.”
I moved through the conservatory, pointing out several stunning specimens – a delicate white orchid, some flowering vines, and a beautiful arrangement of succulents. “Don’t blame me if I get carried away, Peter. You might regret this offer.”
‘Impossible,” he said softly, watching me with those sad eyes that reminded me he was seeing someone else entirely.
A staff member appeared at the conservatory entrance. “Mr. Peter, Mrs. Hamilton requests your presence in the dining room. Lunch is ready to be served.”
Peter straightened, his formal mask sliding back into place. “Of course. Elle, shall we?”
I followed Peter through the mansion’s elegant corridors to a beautifully appointed dining room. Victoria was already seated, looking impeccable despite her wheelchair. She greeted me with a warm smile.
‘Elle, dear, I hope you enjoyed Peter’s tour. How are you feeling? Not too tired, I hope?”
“Not at all,” I replied, taking the seat Peter pulled out for me. “The conservatory is absolutely breathtaking.”
Mrs. Hamilton entered, her face lighting up when she saw me. “Elle, what would you prefer for lunch? We have several options prepared.”
I smiled brightly. “Honestly, Mrs. Hamilton, I’m not picky at all. I love trying new things, and everything smells amazing. Just don’t be surprised if I eat more than expected – pregnancy appetite, you know!”
Victoria chuckled, clearly pleased with my response. She patted the chair beside her. “Come sit next to me, dear.”
Just then, Calista arrived, her eyes immediately going to the seat I was now occupying clearly her usual spot. She let out a small, irritated sound before settling into the chair to my right, her movements sharp with annoyance,
Mrs. Hamilton noticed the tension but smoothly addressed it. “I’m afraid Mr. Hamilton won’t be joining us urgent business matters. But Elle, you’re only the second person Peter has ever brought to see his conservatory. He designed it himself, you know. You must come visit more often.”
I glanced at Peter in surprise, catching the slight flush that crept up his neck and the uncomfortable shift in his posture. The pieces clicked together in my mind – this conservatory, this beautiful space, it had been meant for Dakota. Peter was sharing it with me not because of who I was, but because of who I
resembled. The thought made my heart ache for him.
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“Your appreciation for the flowers, Peter said carefully, “it’s… a kind of destiny. Beautiful things should be recognized by those who can truly see their
worth.”
Calista’s voice cut through the moment like a blade. “Why don’t I ever get to see this precious conservatory, Peter? What makes her so special?”
Peter’s face went rigid. Mrs. Hamilton quickly intervened. “Calista, dear, you’ve never shown interest in gardening or flowers. You always complain about
pollen and dirt.”
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Calista shot me a venomous look that made my skin crawl. Victoria, sensing the tension, smoothly redirected the conversation. “Elle, you must try the soup.
It’s a family recipe.”
I took a spoonful, making appreciative sounds. “This is delicious, Mrs. Hamilton. You have such talented cooks.”
Victoria beamed with satisfaction, but Calista wasn’t finished. As I continued eating with obvious enjoyment, she spoke with barely contained malice.
“You must not have had such fine food back in the human community, right? You should eat up while you can.”
The room went dead silent. Victoria’s fork clattered against her plate, her eyes flashing dangerously. Mrs. Hamilton’s face turned ashen with mortification.
“Calista!” Mrs. Hamilton’s voice was ice–cold. “Apologize immediately.”
“I didn’t say anything wrong!” Calista shouted, pushing back from the table.
I held up a hand, trying to defuse the situation. “Really, it’s fine. I’m not offended.”
But Calista ignored my attempt at peace–making, glaring at me with pure hatred before storming out of the room.
Mrs. Hamilton turned to me, her face flushed with embarrassment. “Elle, I am so deeply sorry. I don’t know what’s gotten into her lately.”
*Please don’t worry about it,” I said gently, though inside I knew what the hell Calista’s problem was with me.
After lunch, I excused myself to rest, feeling drained by the emotional undercurrents. As I walked down the hallway toward the guest room, a young maid approached me, her face pinched with distress.
‘Mrs. Rayne, she whispered urgently, “I’m so sorry to bother you, but I have terrible stomach pains. Could you possibly help me deliver this tray to Miss Calista? If I’m late with her meal, I’ll be dismissed for sure.”
The girl looked genuinely distressed, clutching her abdomen. My soft heart couldn’t refuse. ‘Of course. Alex, could you take that for me?”
Alex stepped forward to accept the tray, and she hurried away.
We were halfway to Calista’s room when Alex’s phone rang. ‘Mrs. Victoria needs to see me immediately,‘ he said, looking at the caller ID.
“Go ahead,” I told him, taking the tray myself. ‘I’ll just drop this at her door and leave.”
“Are you sure? I don’t like leaving you alone…”
“Alex, it’s just down the hall. I’ll knock, leave the tray, and come straight back. I promise.”
Reluctantly, Alex headed toward Victoria’s location while I continued to Calista’s room. I knocked on the door, but there was no response.
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Chapter 229
‘Come in, came Calista’s voice from inside.
I pushed open the door and stepped inside, setting the tray on the table near the entrance. I’ll just leave this here…”
But as I turned to go, Calista suddenly appeared, blocking my path to the door. Her smile was cold and calculating.
“Well, well, she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. ‘Elle, even though I said a few harsh words at lunch, you didn’t need to poison my food in
revenge, did you?”
I stared at her in shock. “What are you talking about?”
“This food, she gestured at the tray, ‘laced with laxatives. Did you really think I wouldn’t notice? How petty can you get?”
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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.
