The morning sun filtered through the delicate latticework of Xiaohua's windows, casting a golden glow across the room. She stirred beneath the silk covers, her heart unusually light as she awoke. For a brief moment, she remained still, savoring the warmth of her bed and the soft rustle of the breeze. The memory of Liu Chen's gift—the hairpin, now safely hidden within her jewelry box—floated to her mind, sending a delicate flutter through her chest.
Xiaohua smiled to herself, a faint blush warming her cheeks. Yet beneath the warmth was a nervous energy, a pull she couldn't ignore. Today was the day. He had asked her to meet him by the old willow at the lake, and though she had agreed, the weight of her decision settled heavily on her. Was it foolish to trust him? Was she risking more than she realized?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. "Miss, it's time to rise," came the gentle voice of one of her maids.
"Come in," Xiaohua called softly, sitting up and brushing her hair out of her face.
The maids entered, carrying trays of steaming tea and fresh towels. As they helped her prepare for the day, Xiaohua tried to keep her emotions hidden. She chose her words carefully, her tone light, but she couldn't ignore the speculative glances exchanged between her attendants.
"You seem radiant today, Miss," one of them dared to say, earning a round of stifled giggles from the others.
"Do I?" Xiaohua replied, feigning nonchalance as she studied her reflection in the mirror. Her long black hair fell in sleek waves down her back, and her green eyes glimmered with a life she hadn't felt in weeks. She waved her hand dismissively. "Perhaps it's just the sunlight."
The maids said nothing more, though their smiles lingered.
Once dressed in a flowing gown of pale lavender, Xiaohua lingered by her window, gazing out at the gardens. Every detail of the morning seemed heightened—the chirping of the birds, the scent of jasmine in the air, the way the sunlight played on the dewdrops clinging to the petals. It all felt like a prelude to something greater.
As the hours ticked by, she busied herself with small tasks, her anticipation growing with each passing moment. She practiced her embroidery but couldn't focus, the needle slipping from her fingers more than once. She paced the room, her hands clasped tightly together.
Finally, as the afternoon sun began its descent, Xiaohua decided it was time. With a deep breath, she retrieved the hairpin and carefully slid it into her hair, letting it secure a loose strand behind her ear. The gesture felt symbolic, like a promise made in silence.
Xiaohua made her way from her chamber to the dining hall, her pale lavender gown trailing softly against the polished wooden floors. The delicate embroidery on her sleeves shimmered faintly in the morning light, adding a touch of elegance to her graceful movements.
When she entered the dining hall, her family was already seated. Her mother, ever composed, glanced up and smiled. Her father sat at the head of the table, quietly sipping tea, while Jingwei, her little brother, eagerly examined the dishes being served.
"Ah, Xiaohua," her mother said warmly, "just in time. Come, sit with us."
Xiaohua lowered herself onto the intricately carved wooden chair and adjusted her sleeves delicately. The meal began, and a variety of dishes were placed on the table—steamed dumplings, fragrant bowls of lotus root soup, sautéed greens, and platters of fresh river fish.
As Xiaohua served herself some soup, Jingwei leaned closer to her. "Jiejie, you're smiling more today," he teased with a grin, his jade-colored eyes sparkling with mischief. "Did something wonderful happen?"
Xiaohua froze briefly, her spoon hovering over her bowl. She quickly recovered, letting out a light laugh. "Must I have a reason to smile, little brother?"
Her mother's sharp gaze flickered between them but remained silent, though the faintest curve of suspicion lingered on her lips.
Their father interrupted, gesturing for more tea. "Enough chatter at the table," he said gruffly. "Eat."
The siblings exchanged a look, Jingwei rolling his eyes playfully before returning to his food.
As the meal progressed, Xiaohua couldn't help but feel the weight of her mother's gaze. It was as though Madam Lin sensed there was something Xiaohua was keeping hidden. The thought made her palms grow clammy, and she reached for her tea to steady herself.
When the meal ended, and her father excused himself, Jingwei darted out with an energetic burst, leaving Xiaohua and her mother momentarily alone.
"You seem distracted these days," Madam Lin remarked, her tone light but probing. "Is there something troubling you, my daughter?"
Xiaohua hesitated before shaking her head. "No, Mother. Everything is as it should be."
Madam Lin studied her for a moment longer, then nodded. "Good. You must always remember your duty, Xiaohua."
Her mother's words echoed in her mind as she returned to her chambers, her thoughts torn between the expectations of her family and the growing desire to see Liu Chen once more.
Xiaohua's footsteps echoed softly through the hallways as she made her way back to her chamber, the weight of her mother's words lingering in the air. Always remember your duty. She knew exactly what that meant—her family's expectations, the duty to uphold the Lin name, to marry well, and to fulfill her role as the obedient daughter. But how could she reconcile that with the strange, magnetic pull she felt toward Liu Chen?
Her heart quickened at the thought of their brief but meaningful encounter. The way he had looked at her, the soft touch of his fingers on her wrist, the intensity in his eyes—they haunted her. She had never experienced such feelings before, not in the way he had stirred something deep within her.
Once in her room, Xiaohua moved to the window, gazing out at the garden, where vibrant flowers bloomed in perfect harmony with the blue sky. She wished she could just forget about Liu Chen, ignore the way he made her feel, but that would be impossible. A voice inside her whispered that she had to meet him again.
But there were still so many questions. Who was he, really? Why had he shown interest in her? Was it truly just a fleeting encounter, or did he have deeper intentions? These thoughts clouded her mind, but one thing was certain—she would see him again.
A soft knock at the door brought her back to reality. She opened it to find one of the maids standing there, a warm smile on her face.
"Miss, your mother requests your presence in the garden. There is a matter she wishes to discuss with you," the maid said politely.
Xiaohua nodded, trying to mask her inner turmoil. "I'll be there shortly."
As she walked toward the garden, her mind wandered back to Liu Chen. She found herself wishing that she could simply slip away, follow her heart, and forget about the constraints of her family's expectations. But she couldn't. Not yet.
When she arrived in the garden, her mother was seated near the koi pond, a delicate fan in her hand as she watched the fish swim lazily through the water. She looked up as Xiaohua approached, a small but knowing smile playing at the corners of her lips.
"Sit with me, my daughter," Madam Lin said, patting the seat beside her. "There are things we must discuss."
Xiaohua obeyed, taking her place beside her mother. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of the koi pond's gentle ripples filled the silence between them.
"You've been distracted lately," Madam Lin began, her voice calm but firm. "I've noticed it. Is there something on your mind?"
Xiaohua opened her mouth to deny it, but she closed it just as quickly. She couldn't lie to her mother, not about this. She had never been able to hide anything from Madam Lin, not for long.
"I've just been thinking," Xiaohua said carefully. "About things. About… my future."
Madam Lin nodded, her eyes narrowing slightly, as if she were piecing something together. "Your future, indeed. It's important that you understand your place in this family, Xiaohua. You will marry someone of good standing, someone who can secure the family's legacy. Do not forget that."
Xiaohua's heart sank at the reminder, and she nodded, but she could feel the weight of her mother's expectations bearing down on her. How could she reconcile her duty to her family with the feelings that Liu Chen had awakened in her?
"I understand, Mother," she said softly.
Madam Lin studied her for a long moment, as though she could see right through her. "Good. And don't let distractions take you away from what's truly important. You must always remember your duty."
Xiaohua's heart fluttered uneasily, but she simply nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
The conversation seemed to drag on for longer than it needed to, and eventually, Xiaohua excused herself, eager to retreat back to the solitude of her room. As she walked back through the garden, her mind was a whirlwind of emotions—guilt, longing, and confusion all crashing together. She wanted to follow her heart, but she was tied to her family's expectations. How could she possibly meet Liu Chen again when everything she had been taught told her to stay focused on duty?