Chapter 1: Seeds of Desire (New York, 1990)
The sound of the wind rustling through the leaves echoed softly across the lush garden, a soothing symphony that complemented the rhythmic snipping of Jack Donovan pruning shears. As the 30-year-old gardener meticulously shaped the hedges lining the Lotus Hotel's elegantly manicured grounds, he felt a sense of calm wash over him.
This was his sanctuary, a verdant oasis amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets of Manhattan. Each morning, Jack arrived at the prestigious hotel before the first guests, eager to tend to his beloved plants and ensure the gardens were in pristine condition. It was a job he took immense pride in, one that allowed him to harness his green thumb and find solace in the simple pleasures of nurturing living things.
Jack had grown up in a modest, working-class family on the outskirts of the city, his childhood filled with fond memories of helping his father in their small backyard vegetable patch. That early exposure to the joys of gardening had planted a seed within him, one that blossomed into a lifelong passion. While his parents had hoped he might pursue a more traditional career path, Jack had followed his heart, obtaining a horticulture certification and eventually landing the coveted role at the renowned Lotus Hotel.
As he tended to the flowers, his mind drifted to thoughts of a more prosperous future. He had worked tirelessly to hone his skills as a gardener, determined to one day have a greenhouse of his own. But for now, this job at the prestigious Lotus Hotel would have to do. It provided him a modest living and the opportunity to surround himself with the natural beauty that he loved.
The sound of a car pulling up to the front of the hotel pulled Jack from his reverie. He glanced up to see a sleek black Town Car idling by the main entrance, its chrome trim glinting in the midday sun. The driver's door opened, and a pair of long, elegantly-clad legs emerged, followed by the rest of a striking woman in her early forties.
Jack's breath caught in his throat as he took in the vision before him. She was tall and slender, her elegant features framed by the cascade of dark hair that flowed gracefully over her shoulders. Her eyes, a mesmerizing shade of green, sparkled with an intensity that sent a jolt of electricity through Jacks's body. Dressed in a tailored, form-fitting dress, she exuded an aura of wealth and refinement that was worlds apart from Jack's own humble attire., Jack could see the alluring gleam in her eyes and the confident set of her jaw. This was a woman who commanded attention.
"Excuse me," the woman said, her voice low and melodic. "I was just admiring your work. The gardens are simply exquisite."
Jack felt his cheeks flush as he stammered out a nervous response. "Th-thank you, ma'am. I, uh, I take great pride in maintaining them."
The woman smiled, her full lips curving upwards in a way that made Jack's heart skip a beat. "Well, your efforts certainly show. I'm Vivian, by the way. Vivian Ashcroft."
Ashcroft – the name immediately registered in Jack's mind. The Ashcrofts were one of the wealthiest and most influential families in New York, renowned for their lavish lifestyle and philanthropic pursuits. Jack had heard whispers of their opulent mansion and the family's impeccable social standing, but to have one of them standing before him, engaging him in conversation, was a surreal experience.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Ashcroft," Jack replied, his grip tightening around the shears as he struggled to maintain his composure. "I'm Jack Donovan, the hotel's head gardener."
Vivian nodded, her eyes sweeping over Jack's rugged features and sturdy frame. "The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Donovan . I must say, you have a remarkable talent for this work. I couldn't help but notice as I was passing through."
Jack felt a surge of pride at her compliment, but it was quickly tempered by a nagging sense of inadequacy. Here was this sophisticated, elegantly dressed woman, undoubtedly accustomed to a life of luxury and privilege, and she was speaking to him – a humble gardener – as though he were her equal.
"Thank you, ma'am," he murmured, averting his gaze. "I, uh, I simply enjoy what I do. Bringing life to these gardens is my greatest satisfaction."
"Please, call me Vivian," she replied, her lips curving into a captivating smile.
Before he could say anything else, a voice called out from the hotel entrance. "Mrs. Ashcroft! There you are. I've been looking all over for you."
Vivian turned to the speaker, a prim-looking man in a crisp suit, and Jack felt a pang of disappointment as their brief encounter was interrupted. With one last lingering glance, Vivian followed the hotel manager back inside, leaving Jack alone amidst the fragrant roses, his mind racing with a thousand questions.
That night, as Jack lay in his modest apartment, he couldn't shake the image of Vivian's striking features and the way her eyes had seemed to bore into his soul. Who was this woman, and why had she chosen to engage him in such a manner? Jack tossed and turned, his sleep fitful and plagued by dreams of her.
The following morning, Jack returned to the gardens, his senses heightened, waiting with bated breath for any sign of Vivian's return. As he pruned the hedges, he found himself constantly scanning the main entrance, his heart leaping each time a car pulled up.
Then, just after noon, the familiar black Town Car reappeared, and Jack felt a surge of anticipation. Vivian emerged, her raven hair gleaming in the sunlight, and Jack's pulse quickened as she strode towards him with purpose.
"Good morning, Jack," she said, her voice low and melodic. "I hope I'm not interrupting your work."
Jack shook his head, momentarily at a loss for words. "Not at all, Vivian. I... I'm glad you've returned."
"Well, that's good to hear," Vivian replied, a hint of amusement in her tone. "Because I have a proposition for you."
Jack's brow furrowed as he waited for her to continue, his mind racing with the possibilities.
"I've been admiring the work you've done here," Vivian said, her gaze sweeping over the immaculately tended gardens. "The attention to detail, the vibrant colors... it's all quite exceptional."
"Thank you," Jack murmured, suddenly self-conscious.
"In fact, I've been so impressed that I was wondering if you might be interested in a job opportunity. At my estate, on Long Island." Vivian paused, her eyes meeting Jack's. "The pay would be double what you're earning here."
Jack's heart pounded in his chest as he processed her words. A job at her estate, with double the salary? It was an offer that was almost too good to be true. But something in the way Vivian was looking at him, the subtle way she leaned closer, made him suspect that there was more to this proposition than just a lucrative employment opportunity.
"That's... that's very generous of you, Vivian," Jack said, trying to keep his voice steady. "But I'm not sure I can just up and leave the hotel. I've been working here for years, and—"
"Think about it, Jack," Vivian interrupted, her voice low and persuasive. "Think about the possibilities. A chance to create something truly beautiful, away from all this concrete and noise." She gestured around them, her gaze never leaving his face.
Jack felt a bead of sweat trickle down the back of his neck as he considered her words. The idea of working in his own private oasis, of having the freedom to truly unleash his creative vision, was undeniably enticing. But what was the catch? What was Vivian truly offering him?
"But what?" Vivian pressed, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What's holding you back?"
Jack hesitated, weighing his options. He could stay at the Lotus Hotel, content but forever limited in his aspirations. Or he could take a leap of faith and embrace the opportunity Vivian was presenting him. The choice, it seemed, was his to make.
"I... I'll have to think about it," Jack finally said, cursing the tremor in his voice.
Vivian's lips curved into a slight smile, and she took a step closer, the scent of her perfume enveloping him. "Please, do. I'd hate to see such talent go to waste."
With that, she turned and made her way back to the hotel, leaving Jack alone with his racing thoughts and a growing sense of unease. As he watched her go, he couldn't help but feel that his life was about to take an unexpected turn.