Sometimes the best things start the wrong way.
In "Beyond the Fine Line," Sean and Jay's lives collide in the vibrant streets of Bangkok, sparking an unconventional romance that defies expectations. As they navigate the complexities of love and per...
The early afternoon light settled over Blackridge Manor, casting a warm sheen across its honeyed stone and slate rooftops. Its limestone façade rose above the gardens like something out of a forgotten century, where clipped lavender and new blooms softened the air, and the gravel paths lay raked to perfection. Here, even silence felt rehearsed. The house did not welcome – it watched, timeless and composed, untouched by absence or return.
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The silence of the countryside broke with the low growl of a Porsche tuned for speed rather than subtlety. A brief moment later, an agate grey 911 Carrera GTS eased around the bend in the long drive and paused at the intricate iron gate. A suited guard stepped forward, nodded in greeting, and the gate opened without a sound.
"This place is as stifling as ever," Jay groaned, his fingers drumming on the steering wheel.
"We still have a few hours before the gala, we could have sex in your old bedroom to cheer you up."
The car passed a large fountain, then rolled into the gravelled courtyard, where a few other vehicles were already parked in neat rows.
"Sex in that room would probably summon a ghost. Possibly my own."
Sean burst out laughing. He knew how much Jay disliked the manor, a place he had been sent to each summer from Bangkok until the age of six. Technically, it was a holiday, but in reality, it was endless etiquette lessons, rigid schedules dictated by his grandparents, and relentless pressure to fit the role of heir. Once he was shipped to Westminster, Jay never returned to the manor except for rare family events or official galas. And personally, Sean didn't like it much either. He had been here enough times to know it always felt oppressive despite the beautiful and peaceful gardens.
"Fine, fine," Sean chuckled, unbuckling his seatbelt. "No sex in the family estate. I promise to behave. Or we could just leave right after this boring party."
Jay rolled his eyes and lightly shut the door. "Like we could survive it without whisky."
"Fair enough."
Sean pulled out two suit bags from the boot while Jay grabbed a leather duffel with their things before they both headed towards a side entrance tucked behind a low stone wall, away from the manor's grand wooden doors. As soon as they approached, the butler stepped outside with a polite smile.
"Welcome, Young Master, Mr Liu," the man said, reaching out to take their luggage. "Would you care for some afternoon tea in the garden?"
As always, Sean didn't miss the faint, annoyed resignation behind Jay's distant gaze at the butler's address, and he instinctively squeezed his hand tighter. "Yes, please."
"Of course, sir," the butler said with a nod. "Your room is ready, Young Master. I'll have tea brought to the south garden shortly."
"Thank you, Francis," Jay responded, then glanced towards the windows on the first floor. "Is she already here?"
