The next morning dawned clear, a crisp breeze drifting through the estate grounds, carrying with it the scent of freshly cut grass. Elizabeth had been up since dawn, unable to shake the restless energy she'd felt since the conversation with Xavier the night before. She tried reading, walking, even sketching in her notebook, but nothing seemed to settle her.
Finally, deciding she needed to face her day head-on, Elizabeth headed down to the breakfast room, hoping the solitude of an early meal would help her refocus. But as soon as she entered, she spotted Xavier at the far end of the long table, coffee cup in hand, staring intently at his phone.
He looked up, noticing her approach, and put his phone down with a slight nod. "Good morning."
"Morning," she replied, a bit more reserved than she intended. There was something about the intimacy of the previous evening that made her feel a strange tension around him now, as though they'd broken an unspoken rule.
She took a seat a few chairs away from him, helping herself to coffee and a plate of fruit. The silence between them felt heavier than usual, the events of the previous night hanging between them Xavier like an invisible thread.
"I was thinking," said finally, breaking the silence, "about what we discussed yesterday. About how to keep things… uncomplicated."
She glanced up, surprised he was the one bringing it up. "Yes?"
He hesitated, as though choosing his words carefully. "It occurred to me that we're both walking a fine line. I meant what I said about trust. But if we're going to make this work, we should probably have some sort of structure—something to help us keep up the act without getting… distracted."
Elizabeth nodded, though she couldn't help but feel a slight pang at his words. Distracted. It was a careful choice of language, one that kept emotions at bay. But it also reminded her that Xavier, like herself, was determined to keep things in check.
"Agreed," she replied. "And I appreciate your honesty. Having some guidelines might make this easier for both of us."
"Good." Xavier took a sip of his coffee, his gaze thoughtful. "I propose we designate times when we'll appear together, for family or social obligations, and keep everything else separate. If we need to attend functions or dinners, we can agree in advance."
"That sounds reasonable," she said. "We can also set a schedule for when we'll be seen together in public. If we're always together, people might start to talk."
He gave a small, approving nod. "Exactly. Consistency, but with just enough distance to keep things professional."
They discussed a few more logistics, finding an easy rhythm as they organized the details. For a brief moment, Elizabeth felt a sense of relief. With this structure, maybe she could maintain her distance, protect herself from getting too close to him.
But just as they were finishing up, Xavier's grandmother, Eleanor, entered the breakfast room. Her keen eyes took in the sight of them sitting together, and a pleased smile spread across her face.
"Well, well, look at the two of you," she said, a note of approval in her voice. "It's nice to see a couple starting their day together."
Xavier's eyes met Elizabeth's, a flicker of understanding passing between them. "Good morning, Grandmother," he greeted, rising to give Eleanor a warm hug.
"Good morning, Eleanor," Elizabeth added, managing a smile as she walked over to hug her as well.
Eleanor gaze shifted between them, as if appraising something she hadn't quite pieced together. "You know," she began, lowering herself into a chair, "I had my doubts when Xavier told me he was getting married. But seeing the two of you now… it warms my heart to know he found someone who truly understands him."
Elizabeth felt a pang of guilt, but she forced herself to smile. "I'm glad to be here, Eleanor. Xavier has… been very welcoming." She glanced at him, giving what she hoped was a natural, affectionate look.
Eleanor smiled, clearly satisfied. "Good. Xavier deserves someone who's in it for the long haul." She paused, her expression softening. "Someone who won't let go when things get difficult."
The comment hung in the air, and Elizabeth suddenly felt as though Eleanor was speaking from experience—perhaps recalling her own years of marriage. It was an unsettling reminder that their lie extended beyond just them. Eleanor genuinely cared for Xavier, and the weight of deceiving her felt more palpable than Elizabeth had anticipated.
Xavier's face remained neutral, but Elizabeth could sense the tension beneath his calm exterior. He'd always been controlled, composed, yet Eleanor's words seemed to reach a part of him that even he wasn't fully prepared to confront.
"We should be going soon, Grandmother," he said quietly, his tone gentle but firm.
Eleanor sighed, nodding. "Of course, of course. But promise me you'll spend some time together today. The gardens are lovely this time of year. A stroll would do you both some good."
Elizabeth forced a smile, feeling a strange flutter in her stomach. "We'll keep that in mind."
After breakfast, Eleanor left them alone, and the silence between them felt charged once again. Elizabeth stood, smoothing down her blouse, trying to dispel the tension.
Xavier voice cut through her thoughts. "You don't have to do this, you know. The charade with my grandmother. If you're uncomfortable—"
"I know," she replied, surprising herself with the intensity of her words. "But I agreed to this. If keeping up appearances means showing a little warmth for her sake, I'm willing to do it."
He looked at her, as if seeing her in a new light. "Thank you, Elizabeth. I know this isn't easy."
She shrugged, attempting to downplay the significance of her choice. "We're in this together, aren't we?"
For a moment, neither of them spoke. It was as if, despite their efforts to remain distant, they were beginning to understand each other in ways neither had anticipated. But before the silence could turn into something more, Xavier cleared his throat.
"Let's stick to the plan," he said, as though reminding both of them. "We'll keep things professional, just as we discussed."
Elizabeth nodded, the flicker of something deeper quickly extinguished. "Yes, of course."
That afternoon, Elizabeth found herself wandering through the estate gardens, more out of obligation than desire. Xavier had left for a business meeting in town, leaving her with time to herself. She'd considered retreating to her suite to work on some gallery plans, but Eleanor's suggestion about the gardens had lingered in her mind, and she thought a walk might help clear her head.
As she wandered, taking in the carefully manicured hedges and vibrant blooms, she felt a strange sense of peace. The garden was beautiful, serene—a rare respite from the whirlwind of emotions she'd been experiencing since arriving at the estate.
But her tranquility was short-lived. As she rounded a corner, she spotted a man she didn't recognize standing near a small fountain. He was tall, well-dressed, with sharp features and an air of confidence that suggested he was used to getting what he wanted.
He turned at her approach, his eyes brightening with recognition. "Ah, you must be Elizabeth."
She gave a polite nod, unsure of who he was. "Yes, I am. And you are…?"
"Thomas Cole," he replied, extending a hand. "Xavier's cousin. I just returned from a trip abroad."
Elizabeth shook his hand, taken aback by his intense gaze. "It's nice to meet you."
Thomas studied her with an assessing look, as though trying to unravel her secrets. "I heard about the wedding. I must say, you're a surprise. Xavier's always been… particular about the company he keeps."
Elizabeth forced a smile, sensing a veiled judgment in his tone. "I like to think we balance each other out."
He chuckled, the sound low and slightly mocking. "Perhaps. But I wonder—how much do you really know about Xavier?"
The question caught her off guard, and she felt a flicker of defensiveness rise in her. "Enough to know he's a good man. That's all I need to know."
"Is it?" Thomas tilted his head, his gaze almost predatory. "Xavier has his secrets, Elizabeth. Be careful you don't get too close, or you might find yourself caught up in something you weren't prepared for."
His words sent a chill down her spine, but she refused to let him see her unease. "Thank you for the advice, Thomas," she replied, her voice steady. "But I can take care of myself."
He smirked, clearly entertained by her response. "I'll keep that in mind. Just remember, the Coles are a complicated family. Things aren't always as they seem."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing alone by the fountain, her heart pounding in her chest. As she watched him disappear into the distance, she felt a nagging sense of unease settle over her. Thomas's warning echoed in her mind, and for the first time, she wondered if she truly understood the depths of the family she'd become a part of.
And as much as she hated to admit it, a small part of her feared that maybe, just maybe, she'd gotten in over her head.