Chap2-An Afternoon At Rozdale

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Theo continued his story, a warm smile on his face. "As I was saying, Razia received an invitation from my sister Regina to visit our family's mansion."

Razia arrived at the grand estate, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. She was greeted by Regina, who welcomed her with a polite smile.

"Good day, Miss Razia. It's lovely to have you visit us," Regina said, her tone formal yet friendly.

Razia curtsied slightly. "The pleasure is mine, Miss Regina. Your mansion is breathtaking."

As they entered the drawing room, Razia noticed Lord and Lady Knight, Regina's parents, seated on a nearby sofa. Lord Knight, a tall, imposing figure with a stern expression, nodded curtly in Razia's direction.

Lady Knight, however, offered a warm smile. "Ah, Miss Razia, delighted to meet you. Please, do join us."

As they sat down, Razia couldn't help but feel a slight chill in the air when Lord Knight was near. Regina, sensing her unease, attempted to put her at ease with polite conversation.

After a while, Lady Knight suggested, "Shall we have some tea and cookies in the garden room?"

The garden was a vibrant tapestry of colours, with tall, stately roses of every hue - velvety reds, soft pinks, sunshine yellows, and delicate whites. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, and the meticulously manicured lawns invited leisurely strolls.

As they moved to the garden room, Razia noticed a family portrait on the wall. "Regina, who are the children in this portrait?" Razia asked, her curiosity piqued.

Regina smiled. "That's our family portrait, taken when I was a child. The two boys beside me are my elder brothers, Edwin and Archibald."

Razia's eyes widened in awe. "What do they do, Regina?"

Regina replied, "They work with our father in the family business, handling diplomatic affairs and trade negotiations with the imperial court."

Razia's gaze drifted to the youngest child in the portrait, a chubby-cheeked boy with bright blue eyes. "And who's the little boy?" Razia asked, her voice filled with wonder.

Regina's smile faltered for a moment before she replied, "That's my little brother, Theodore."

Just then, Lady Knight intervened, "Regina, dear, let's not bore our guest with family stories. Tell me, Razia, how do you find our gardens?"

Razia politely responded, but her curiosity about Theodore lingered.

Theo's voice brought the orphan children back to the present. "And that, my dear children, is where Razia's fascination with me began."

The children leaned in, eager to hear more about the intriguing story unfolding before them.

The children leaned in, eager to hear more about the intriguing story unfolding before them

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(Toddler Theo 💛)

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