The next day arrived, bringing a peculiar calm to the Lee estate. The morning sun drenched the gardens in golden light, painting an ethereal picture outside the mansion. The faint chirping of birds could be heard as a cool breeze swept through the vast grounds. Sophia, still wrapped in the warmth of her dreams, stirred when the faint scent of blooming roses tickled her senses.
She stretched lazily, her heart fluttering as the memories of the previous night came flooding back. The kiss. Lucius. The way he held her like she was the only person in the world. A smile tugged at her lips, but it quickly vanished when a knock sounded at the door.
"Miss Sophia," came the familiar voice of Kai.
"Yes?" she called back, sitting up and smoothing her hair.
"Mr. Lee requests your presence in the garden."
Her heart skipped a beat. "Did he say why?"
Kai chuckled softly. "He said it’s important."
Sophia hurriedly dressed, choosing a light lavender dress that fell just below her knees, its soft fabric flowing around her like a whisper. She stepped outside, the sunlight kissing her skin as she made her way to the garden.
There he was, standing near the fountain, his back to her. He wore a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, revealing strong forearms, and his jet-black hair glistened under the sun. For a moment, Sophia hesitated, unsure of what to say.
Lucius turned as if sensing her presence, his crimson eyes locking onto hers. A small smile played on his lips. “Good morning, Sophia.”
“Good morning,” she replied, her voice softer than she intended.
“I thought a walk in the garden might be a good way to start the day,” he said, extending a hand toward her.
Sophia hesitated before placing her hand in his, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver up her spine. They strolled through the garden, the scent of flowers filling the air. Lucius seemed unusually calm, his usual cold demeanor replaced by something softer, almost tender.
"You seemed distant at the party last night," he began, breaking the silence.
Sophia glanced at him, her cheeks warming. "I wouldn't call it distant... just overwhelmed."
"Overwhelmed?" he echoed, a hint of amusement in his tone.
"Your world is... different," she admitted. "Sometimes, I feel like I don't belong."
Lucius stopped, turning to face her. "You belong more than you think, Sophia. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
Her heart swelled at his words, but before she could respond, a sharp voice interrupted them.
"Well, isn't this cozy?"
Both turned to see Samantha approaching, her icy blue gown trailing behind her like a serpent. Her sharp features were accentuated by a sly smirk, and her eyes darted between them with disdain.
Sophia instinctively stepped back, but Lucius’s hand remained firm around hers.
"Samantha," Lucius greeted coolly. "What brings you here?"
Samantha’s smirk widened. "Oh, just taking a morning stroll. Imagine my surprise to see my husband enjoying such... intimate company."
Sophia’s cheeks flushed, but Lucius remained unfazed. "You and I both know this marriage is nothing more than a contract. Don’t waste your energy on theatrics."
Samantha’s eyes narrowed. "Careful, darling. Contracts can be... renegotiated."
"Not this one," Lucius said firmly. "It ends next month, as agreed."
Samantha’s gaze shifted to Sophia, her lips curling into a malicious smile. "Enjoy your little fantasy while it lasts, dear. It won’t be long before reality catches up."
With that, she turned on her heel and disappeared down the path.
Sophia felt a lump form in her throat. "Maybe I should go."
Lucius tightened his grip on her hand. "No. Don’t let her get to you."
"But—"
He stepped closer, his eyes boring into hers. "I mean it, Sophia. She doesn’t matter. You do."
Her breath hitched as his words sank in, but before she could respond, the faint sound of music drifted through the air.
"Do you hear that?" she asked, tilting her head.
Lucius smirked. "I thought you might enjoy a little surprise."
---
A Hidden Sanctuary
He led her deeper into the garden, where a clearing opened up to reveal a small gazebo draped in twinkling fairy lights. A string quartet played softly, their music weaving a spell of enchantment around the space.
Sophia gasped. "Lucius, this is... magical."
He offered her a hand, guiding her to the center of the gazebo. "Dance with me."
She hesitated, her heart racing. "Here? Now?"
"Why not?" he asked, his voice low and inviting.
With a soft smile, she placed her hand in his, and they began to move in sync with the music. The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them and the melody.
"You’re full of surprises," she murmured.
He chuckled softly. "I aim to impress."
As they danced, Sophia couldn’t help but feel as though she were caught in a dream. Lucius’s touch was firm yet gentle, his eyes never leaving hers. For the first time in a long time, she felt truly seen.
---
The Shadows Loom
Unbeknownst to them, Penelope watched from a distance, her eyes narrowing with hatred. She clenched her fists, her mind racing with schemes.
“This changes nothing,” she muttered to herself. “She’ll be out of the picture soon enough.”
She turned and disappeared into the shadows, her next move already forming in her mind.
---
Later that evening, Lucius took Sophia to another part of the estate—a secluded lake surrounded by willows whose branches dipped into the water. The surface shimmered with an otherworldly glow, as though it held secrets untold.
“Wow,” Sophia breathed, stepping closer to the edge.
Lucius watched her, a rare softness in his gaze. "This lake is said to hold the whispers of those who truly listen."
Sophia turned to him, intrigued. "What kind of whispers?"
"Dreams, fears, desires," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "It reveals what lies in your heart."
She stepped closer, peering into the water. Her reflection wavered, and for a moment, she thought she saw a different version of herself—stronger, braver, and deeply intertwined with Lucius.
"What do you see?" he asked, his voice close to her ear.
She turned to find him standing inches away, his gaze intense. "I see... possibility."
He smiled faintly. "So do I."
Before she could respond, he reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. The gesture was so tender, so intimate, that it took her breath away.
"You have no idea how much you’ve changed my world, Sophia," he said, his voice thick with emotion.
Tears pricked her eyes, but she blinked them away. "And you’ve changed mine."
As the stars began to emerge, their light reflecting off the water, Lucius leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss that felt like a promise—a promise of something extraordinary.
---
YOU ARE READING
SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)
Romance"Beyond Shadows" In a world where darkness whispers secrets and power knows no bounds, a young orphan's dreams of becoming a veterinarian are crushed by the cruel betrayal of her own blood. Sold into an unforgiving fate, she finds herself in the eni...
