Sanguine Rose

Chapter 3

"Unfortunately, Mr. Guevara, Ms. Lystrana is not present at the moment," Sonya began, her voice echoing in the silence. "She had intended to inform you earlier that she wouldn't be able to grace the dinner you had so kindly invited her to, but she lacked the means to reach you. However, I believe she left a letter with Florentino, to be delivered to you. Haven't you received anything?" Sonya's words hung in the air, a tangible cloud of regret. Marietta, a silent specter, hovered behind her.

A surge of disappointment swept over Damian, a bitter tide eroding the shores of his anticipation. He exhaled, a sigh heavy with unspoken emotions, and managed to conjure a smile, a mere shadow of his usual charm, for Sonya.

"Unfortunately, I haven't received anything."

"Oh, Mr. Guevara! I was just about to embark on the task of delivering Ms. Lystrana's letter to you," Florentino's voice cut through the tension, a sharp contrast to the somber atmosphere. Both Sonya and Damian turned towards him, their expressions a mirror of surprise and mild irritation.

"Florentino, this is a grave oversight on your part. How could you have delayed such an important task?" Marietta's voice, sharp as a whip, lashed out at her husband.

"I beg your forgiveness, Mr. Guevara. The café d'Aragon's demands got the better of me, and the task of delivering the letter slipped my mind. I deeply regret the oversight," Florentino's voice was heavy with remorse.

"No harm done. But could you enlighten me as to why Ms. de Aragon couldn't attend?" Damian's voice was calm, but the undercurrent of disappointment was unmistakable.

"Mr. Dale Escobar, a cherished friend from Ms. Lystrana's childhood, made an unexpected appearance today, Mr. Guevara. He proposed a leisurely stroll, an invitation she found hard to decline, especially since he is due to return to the US next week."

A spark of jealousy ignited in Damian's heart, a fierce flame threatening to consume him. It was a cruel twist of fate, a bitter pill to swallow, knowing that Lystrana had chosen another's company over his. Yet, he cloaked his turmoil under a veneer of calm.

"In that case, I shall take my leave. Please inform her that I had the pleasure of visiting, and kindly present her these flowers," Damian's voice was steady, belying the storm within him, as he handed Sonya a bouquet of crimson roses, their vibrant hue a stark contrast to the pallor of his disappointment.

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From the depths of the night, Damian observed Lystrana's arrival alongside Dale. Hidden in the shadows, he strained to catch snippets of their conversation.

"I'm overjoyed to see you again, Lystrana. It's disheartening that my time here is limited. Would you do me the honor of joining me for another excursion tomorrow? Let us seize the remaining days of my stay," Dale proposed, gallantly opening the car door for Lystrana.

Damian's fists clenched involuntarily at the sound of Dale's words.

"Unfortunately, Dale, tomorrow won't be possible for me. I have pressing matters to attend to. Perhaps the day before you return to the US," Lystrana replied, her voice tinged with regret.

"Very well! I look forward to that. I should get going now, Lystrana. It was a pleasure to reconnect with you. Good night!"

"Good night, Dale."

Upon entering, Lystrana found Sonya and Marietta engrossed in a captivating television show. Greeting them with a warm smile, she playfully remarked, "Another fantasy drama, I see?"

The two women chuckled in response, reciprocating her cheerfulness.

"Good evening, Ms. Lystrana," they greeted in unison.