The Forbidden Garden

Chapter 1 - The Inheritance | Part 1

Lila stood before the imposing gates of the estate, her heart racing with anticipation and trepidation. She had inherited the garden from her grandmother, a woman she had only met once as a child. Her grandmother had always been an enigma to her, a distant figure that Lila had never really known. But now, she was the owner of the garden, a place that held so much mystery and intrigue.

As the gates creaked open, Lila stepped onto the cobblestone path that led to the house. She looked around in awe, taking in the beauty of the overgrown garden that surrounded her. The roses were wild and untamed, their petals the color of fire. The trees were gnarled and ancient, their branches reaching up to the sky like fingers. And the house itself was a grand old mansion, with tall columns and a sprawling porch.

Lila's heart skipped a beat as she saw a figure emerge from the shadows. He was tall and lean, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He wore a worn leather jacket and jeans, and his hands were rough and calloused.

"Miss Lila, I presume?" he said, his voice deep and gravelly.

Lila nodded, suddenly aware of how out of place she felt in her designer dress and high heels.

"I'm Caleb, your gardener," he said, extending his hand.

Lila shook his hand, feeling a jolt of electricity as their skin touched. She pulled her hand away, trying to ignore the fluttering in her stomach.

Caleb led her through the garden, pointing out the various plants and trees as they went. Lila tried to focus on what he was saying, but her mind kept wandering to him. There was something about him that drew her in, something she couldn't quite put her finger on.

As they approached the house, Caleb stopped and turned to her.

"I'll leave you to explore the house on your own. I need to tend to the garden," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

Lila watched as he walked away, his broad shoulders hunched over as if carrying a heavy burden. She shook her head, trying to push him out of her mind. She had a garden to restore, and she was determined to make it beautiful again.