Arkvine's Bride

3 - A Warm Welcome

Arkvine's mansion is one of a kind. Modern meets classic. It was just amazing to see random things in the hallway. One moment we walked into a hallway without anything. It was just a paint of prairie dust. When we turned right, I was welcomed with a bunch of landscape paintings decorated on the wall. It is not big compared to Gonzalos, but the interiors feel homey and unique.

Mula sa second floor kung nasaan ang opisina ni Edmund, bumaba kami at nagtungo sa garden. It is located at the back of the house. Binuksan ni Edmund ang pinto patungo sa backyard ng bahay and I was welcomed with a huge and majestic garden.

"Beautiful, isn't it? I built it for my wife."

Tumingin ako muli sa landscape ng garden. It was indeed beautiful. The lawns and winding paths are adorned with a vibrant tapestry of blooming flowers. Towered trees cast long shadows across the landscape. The gazebo is nestled at the end of cobblestones and stands as a captivating centrepiece. There I saw Edmund's wife conversing with their sons.

I observe his wife as I walk closer. Curious about the woman who wanted me as her daughter-in-law. She exudes an effortless elegance that belies her age. Her sleek brown hair was styled in a sophisticated chignon. She carries herself with a confident posture, a subtle strength that speaks volumes about her character. As I finally stood before her, my breath caught in my throat. Her beauty radiates a warmth.

Then she smiled at me and I froze to where I was standing. Edmund's wife and the Lady of Arkvine is really beautiful.

"Lyanna," she called.

"You're finally here. You're finally away from your father."

That surprised me but I nodded as if I was a kid agreeing with her. I am really and finally away from them. It almost feels like a dream.

Tumayo ito at lumapit sa 'kin. She scanned my face with a glint of sadness in her eyes as if she was remembering someone based on my looks.

"Ahhh... you look very much like her."

What, who?

Does she know my mother? I wanted to react and ask questions but I remained silent. I wanted to ask if she knew her and if she knew the reason why I was abandoned but I stopped myself. I already asked myself the same question a thousand times until I just... accepted everything.

I look at her dead straight into her eyes to tell her I do not care if I look exactly like my mother. I am not here to help her reminisce.

"How was your trip?" She asked but I didn't answer.

I wanted to and I wanted to say it was awful.

"You really are..." Huminga ito ng malalim at nagpatuloy, "Such a remarkable beauty, Lyanna. You really are beautiful."

I felt like something cracked inside me. A trigger. Am I supposed to feel happy that she complimented me? Shy because it wasn't even true? Why do I feel like shit? I feel like I'm not even a being. I feel like a product of my mother, not a daughter. Tainted with a beast's blood, a f-cking Gonzalo.

Such a beauty. What a perfect tool.

"For sure you are very tired from your trip. Why don't you take a rest first and continue our talk later?"

As if the woman in front of me sensed the changes in my emotions, she recommended for me to rest. She at least knows how to read the atmosphere, that's great. She sat back and tried to smile again. "Arlo, can you please guide Lyanna to her room?"

Nawala sa isip ko na nandito nga pala ang dalawang anak ni Edmund. I see two young attractive men with strong features similar to their dad. Two of them are now staring at me. One was smiling and the other was just blankly staring at me.