The Third Autumn Bloom

CHAPTER - 1

The sun, a celestial artist, painted the sky with its golden hues, each ray a brushstroke of light and warmth. The air, still cool from the night's embrace, whispered softly through the trees, carrying the sweet scent of dew-kissed leaves; a soothing soundtrack for her day.

Nestled in her cozy retreat, she basked in the idyllic scene. Clad in soft, oversized pyjamas, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. Her long, black hair, like a silken banner, danced gently in the breeze. Leaning back on a plush beanbag, a haven of comfort, she worked diligently on her laptop. A steaming cup of hot chocolate, its rich aroma filling the air, warmed her hands and her spirit. With each sip, she savoured the sweet indulgence, a moment of pure bliss amidst the daily grind.

But even in this idyllic setting, a flicker of something else stirred within her. Her mind, like a mischievous sprite, drifted to him. The person who had been a constant presence in her thoughts for years; a source of both frustration and fleeting joy. He was a whirlwind in her life, a tempestuous force that both captivated and unsettled her. Suddenly, the hushed tranquillity of the morning was broken by a voice, familiar yet tinged with an excitement.

"Chris, are you coming?" Nora's voice echoed as she walked up to the rooftop. Silence. Nora repeated her query; this time louder. Her patience wearing thin. She finally let loose a torrent of frustrated energy.

"CRYSTAL PHOEBE!" Suddenly, Crystal snapped back to reality, blinking against the sudden intrusion. Her eyes, wide and innocent, stared at Nora, tilting her head sideways with a bewildered expression marring her calm demeanour. "Nora! Why the hell were you shouting?"

"Why am I shouting? Ahhh... You must be kidding me... right?"

Nora's face turned crimson; her breath coming in short, ragged bursts. "I've been calling you five times straight." "Sorry, I was just thinking about something. Let's go." Crystal muttered, her voice barely a whisper. She hurriedly descended the stairs; a desperate attempt to escape the scrutiny of Nora's piercing gaze.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, her gaze fell upon her brother, Ash. He was sprawled on the plush velvet couch; his attention consumed by the glowing screen of his phone. A goofy grin spread across his face, the very picture of a lovestruck idiot. Suddenly, a hand touched her shoulder, a gentle touch that sent a jolt of fear through her. She spun around, heart leaping into her throat, but as her eyes met Nora's mischievous grin, a wave of relief washed over.

"Woah. Nora, it was you." She let a shaky breath; her hand instinctively going to her chest as if to soothe the frantic thumping of her heart. "Well, who else could it be? Is it common for a mafia queen to let her guard down?" Nora's eyebrows wiggled playfully, a naughty glint in her eyes. She teases; her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Well, I was looking at a person who has fell into the centre of an ocean called Love. Look there."

Gesturing towards her brother on the couch. "Ash, come on. We are ready." Nora announced; her voice carrying a hint of mock exasperation. Ash, jolted from his reverie, hastily stuffed his phone into his pocket. "Yeahhh!! Yeahh!!" He exclaimed, momentarily bewildered. He then noticed them; their expressions holding a mixture of amusement and judgement, standing silently by the kitchen entrance. "Let's go..." He added, his voice, trailing off as he realized their unspoken criticism.

With a final glance back at their home, they locked the door and stepped out into the street. The rhythmic pounding of their feet against the pavement punctuated the silence. Though being billionaires, they did not like the idea of having any guards. Nora was Crystal's and Ash's childhood best friend. Nora's parents adopted Crystal and Ash as their children after their parents died.