Sophie hurried after Nathan with small, quick steps. As soon as he entered the study, he spread out his official documents and started working, as if nothing had happened before.
She stood at the desk and said hesitantly, "Thank you."
Nathan raised his eyebrows, waiting for her to continue.
"Well, I'm sorry for always spacing out. I'll try to improve. But... although Nicole's words were sharp, she wasn't wrong..."
He arched his eyebrows and looked at her, who obviously wanted to plead, "Is this the way of loyalty and forgiveness?"
"The Confucian way of loyalty and forgiveness," he said. "It's a bit like when someone hits you on the left cheek, you happily turn your right cheek and ask them to hit it again for balance."
Sophie laughed at his metaphor. "Well, you could say that. Anyway, I didn't lose much!"
Nathan beckoned her with his finger, and she walked forward, unexpectedly getting her nose pinched.
"I say it's a stuffy idea. Confucianism is too weak. The Legalists' pursuit of truth and reality is more applicable in today's world."
Sophie covered her nose and couldn't help but feel the pain. The situation was quite strange. Although he had half Chinese ancestry, besides his head of black hair, he looked like a foreigner in every other way. With his light amber eyes, he was actually discussing Legalism with her?
"I thought you were French," she said, rubbing her nose.
Her strange tone provoked a smile from him. "By identity, I'm French; by blood, I have half Chinese blood."
"But you're talking about Legalism with me!" Sophie patted her forehead. "Goodness! I'm actually discussing the Chinese tradition with a Sino-French hybrid!"
Her reddish nose was so cute! It made him can't resist reaching out to pinch it, but when he saw her frightened expression, he changed it to a gentle stroke. "My mother placed great importance on my education. She was afraid I would forget my roots, so she hired a Chinese teacher to teach me about Chinese culture."
His hand was so gentle, his voice so low, Sophie was almost lost in his warm, spring-like smile. If he wanted, she doubted any female animal could escape his web of gentleness!
She stepped back, creating some distance between them. "Um, you mentioned Legalism just now?"
Nathan didn't mind her avoidance and leaned casually back in his chair.
"Yes, rewards and punishments have their own foundations. That's how you can lead people with your heart. I agree with this idea and practice it myself."
He ended the topic and bent down to focus on his work.
Sophie, as usual, tidied up the vast bookshelf behind him, careful not to make any noise that would disturb him.
In fact, Nathan was very serious and focused when working. At this moment, he became a standard businessman, strict and cold. Sophie observed quietly, noting that he was different from the considerate but emotionally distant man in the magazine, and also different from the one who would protect her and joke with her. How many faces can one person have?
When he wasn't paying attention, her gaze shifted from his slender fingers to his arms, and she remembered the magazine photo of him embracing a beautiful woman. She suddenly imagined what it would feel like to be hugged by him.
She loved his gaze the most. When he looked at you intently, you felt like you were unique. Sophie took a slow breath. She could finally understand why Martha thought the air would be sweet.
She slowly moved to his side. It was a blessing to be able to spend time with such a pleasing person every day! She glanced at his lower abdomen casually and accidentally saw a bulge in his suit pants—
Boom! Her face instantly turned red! Her thoughts were so evil!
Sophie lowered her head, afraid of drawing his attention, and quickly moved towards the door, disappearing outside.
Nathan looked up in confusion, wondering why she needed to run away like a refugee. He shrugged and continued to focus on the analysis report in his hand.
Given Tino Vineyard's dominant position globally, partnering with Jark Vineyard was optional. Let's see! Anyway, he didn't have any other marriage prospects.
Suddenly, the image of the little maid flashed into his thoughts.
She was indeed interesting, different from other women he had met, innocent and straightforward. Hmm, he reminded himself to ask Aaron where he found such an entertaining maid.
Should the length of time you've known someone be proportional to how you feel about them? So, how long should you know someone before giving your feelings?
Some people remain politely distant from their spouses their entire lives, while some fall in love at first sight.
Can the length of time you've known someone really affect how much you care about them?
Relationships are so unpredictable and difficult to control!
Sophie's heart was still pounding rapidly as she lay in bed. She had fallen for him!
Not just admiration, well, maybe it started with admiring his outstanding appearance, but outer beauty wasn't the absolute factor. His innate regal demeanor was what captivated people's hearts!
No matter what, in short, she felt she liked the viscount.
Nathan. She whispered his name softly. Nathan...
How strange! Not long ago, she was still a bit afraid of him, but now she was absolutely sure she liked him!
Love at first sight. When the feeling is right, it's right, and she couldn't resist it.
Don't ask her why she fell for him, such an abstract question. She couldn't explain it, only knowing that her body strongly conveyed this message. Her heart raced because of him, her blood boiled because of him, and her mind was filled with thoughts of him!
But, it was impossible between them. She knew that.
He was like a dominant lion, scorning everything, while she was willing to silently watch him and guard him—for this one month.
Right! Only one month. When Anna's daughter returned, it was time for her to go back to Arcachon to look for a house. Then, she and the viscount would be like heaven and earth, never to meet again.
Maybe he didn't care, but she decided to seize this short time to take care of him wholeheartedly. And even after leaving, at least, she wouldn't have any regrets.
In the early summer when the grape buds were forming, her unrequited love was destined to wither before her secret crush had a chance to bloom.
The Tino family's estate encompassed vast vineyards and an ancient castle nestled among them. North of the castle's stone walls was a rolling hillside, not too steep, serving as the estate's horse-riding area.
In ancient times, French ladies didn't ride horses but only traveled by carriage. Today, horse-riding has become a pastime among the wealthy, and Victoria was quite adept at it.
Because Victoria invited Nathan to a horse race, Sophie had the opportunity to witness horse-riding up close. It was different from riding an old horse in circles at the Buxin Ranch. Her round eyes didn't blink as she watched Nathan neatly mount the tall "Napoleon."
Napoleon is a white horse, and the arrogance of Nathan is evident from the fact that he named such a tall horse and rode it. Against the warm sun, the green turf reflected the azure sky, and Nathan, tall and handsome, was riding on the horse. She thought she would never forget this scene.
The admiration in her eyes was clearly visible, slightly disturbing the calm surface of Nathan's heart.
In the complex and utilitarian society, he had almost never seen such a purely admiring gaze. Women loved his title and wealth, but she seemed to care only about him as "him."
He had to admit that no man could resist such an intent gaze.
Victoria watched the underlying tensions between them coldly. For her, he was a cooperation target that her father and brothers eagerly sought to win over. For the sake of her family's interests, she must facilitate a marriage alliance. For centuries, this had been the fate of every eldest daughter in the Jark family.
"Let's go!" Victoria rode her horse up to Nathan. "The first one to reach that pine tree wins." Riding was the best way for her to vent her emotions; on horseback, she didn't have to bear the heavy pressure of being an aristocratic descendant.
"How can I refuse a challenge from a lady?" Nathan said. On horseback, she was a formidable opponent.
With a flick of her whip, Victoria's red horse, named "Beauty," immediately galloped forward. Nathan raised his index and middle fingers, gave Sophie a charming knight's salute, and then pulled the reins. "Napoleon" snorted and chased after "Beauty" ahead.
The two horses raised a slight cloud of dust as they raced towards the only pine tree standing on the hill in the distance.
Sophie stared at the red and white horses galloping freely on the vast grassland. Victoria on horseback was so elegant and confident, perfectly matched with the handsome and dashing Nathan.
Aside from their appearance, they shared the same aristocratic background and family heritage. Anyone would think that they were destined to form a marital alliance.
She finally realized how presumptuous it was to like him!
Her heart felt bitter and sore. She shouldn't have come here. France held her deepest dreams and the person she cared about most.
After leaving the castle, she could still attend university as planned, but what about her heart? Could it return to its original wholeness?
If she left her heart at the manor, how would she get through the future?
But she couldn't think about it, nor dare to. Just as she couldn't control herself from liking him. She would leave the worries of the future to the future!
Obviously, her heart was not as rational as her mind. Her gaze followed them as they raced side by side until the image became increasingly blurred, and she realized that tears were gradually filling her eyes.
Don't cry! She told herself. As long as she didn't shed tears, it didn't count as crying, just like she could secretly love him as long as she didn't say it out loud. So Sophie tilted her head back, widened her eyes, trying to force back the tears that were on the verge of falling.
When she looked up, she found that in just a short moment, the sky was covered with dark clouds, and the earth gradually turned gloomy. She quickly gazed at the opposite hillside. The two riders were still halfway to the pine tree, seemingly unconcerned about the changing weather.
Was it okay? She felt a sense of unease in her heart.
At this moment, a dull thunder rumbled in the sky, like an evil warning.
The unease in her heart grew heavier and heavier. Sophie ran towards the pine tree, intending to stop them from continuing their race.
She ran and panted, disregarding the burden on her heart, only knowing that she had to stop them quickly!
She climbed up to the high point of the hill and looked out at the big pine tree in the distance. Nathan had just arrived. At that moment, a sudden lightning strike hit the towering pine tree, and the straight trunk fell straight down...
"No!" Sophie covered her mouth and shouted. Nathan was under the tree!
In the blink of an eye, the intelligent "Napoleon" raised its front legs and stood up. The falling pine tree fell to its left.
Although fortunately not crushed by the pine tree, "Napoleon" dropping Nathan off the horse when it stood up.
"No!" Sophie ran quickly, reaching the pine tree still smoking. Victoria was already crouching beside Nathan, examining his wounds.
"Is he okay?" Sophie found her voice dry and tight until she spoke.
He was lying unconscious on the grass with his eyes closed. She stared at him, not daring to breathe heavily.
Victoria efficiently checked his bones. "No bones are broken," she frowned. "But when he fell, he hit his head on a rock, and it's a bit swollen."
"What should we do?" Sophie was at a loss.
Victoria decisively mounted her horse, "I'll go back to the manor to get help. You stay here and take care of him."
Sophie helplessly nodded as "Beauty" carried Victoria away like an arrow.
She carefully placed Nathan's head on her lap and gently patted his face, "Viscount? Can you hear me? Viscount..."
The unconscious Nathan didn't respond and of course wouldn't know that the tears falling on his face were all from her worry.
She was willing to give everything to ensure his safety!
Obviously, Saint Mary didn't understand her request.
Strictly speaking, Nathan was safe because after a detailed examination by the doctor, he was said to have no serious injuries. The only problem was that the blood clot in his brain was pressing on his optic nerve, causing blindness.
Was it temporary?
The doctor couldn't guarantee it and could only say that most clinically, vision could return to normal.
News of Nathan's blindness was tightly sealed to prevent anyone from taking advantage of the situation and coveting Tino Winery. Aaron also kept Victoria to take care of Nathan for fear of the news leaking out.
Nathan himself became quite indifferent from that day on. No one could enter his inner world, and no one dared to approach him. He always rejected anyone's concern with a stern attitude.
Sophie carried a tray to his doorway, "Viscount, I've brought you your meal."
Sitting by the window, he didn't speak, just staring at her coldly with his eyes.
Even though he couldn't see, his eyes were still piercing. No wonder Martha didn't dare to return to serve him even after her leg injury healed. This was fine too; she hoped to continue taking care of him.
It hurt her to see the arrogant and high-and-mighty Viscount turn into this, but she couldn't show it. What he needed least now was sympathy.
"Viscount, would you like to eat now?" Sophie asked, well-trained. Her eyes carefully observed the subtle expressions on his face. After going blind, he hardly spoke at all, and she had to rely on intuition to guess his thoughts.
He probably wasn't hungry yet. She would wait a little longer.
The phone rang. Sophie picked it up, "Tino Manor, hello." She listened for a moment, "Hold on, please."
"Viscount, Mr. Zola Carl is calling for you," Sophie carefully handed the receiver to Nathan.
"Hello?" Nathan answered.
His gaze rested on Sophie ahead, and though he knew he couldn't actually see her, his intense stare warmed her heart. She noticed his eyebrows furrowing tighter and tighter—was it a matter related to work?
After listening, Nathan said, "Hold on for a moment."
"..." The other party might have been surprised, and Sophie only vaguely heard Zora speaking rapidly in a string of words.
"Conduct a detailed assessment of each country in Asia. I want the most precise report," Nathan decided and hung up.
Sophie picked up the receiver, restraining the urge to reach out and smooth the creases between his eyebrows. She wanted to say something but sighed lightly and kept it to herself.
Nathan heard her sigh, grabbed her, and said unhappily, "What do you mean by that?"
Sophie knew his world was shrouded in darkness, and he was suspicious of the outside world.
"I didn't mean anything. I originally wanted to ask if Viscount was encountering any troubles at work, but then I felt it was beyond my place, so I sighed," she explained in detail.
"Is it that obvious?"
"You're still the decisive and capable President Tino. No one would question your decisions." She couldn't help but pay close attention to his facial expressions, so every subtle change escaped her eyes.
"But I can't even sign contracts myself anymore!" Nathan growled. "How long can I pretend to be decisive? How long can I keep my injury a secret? Do I have to watch helplessly as Tino Vineyard collapses?" Foreign conglomerates were watching with bated breath, waiting for their chance, while he was reduced to a helpless blind man!
He had finally voiced his inner worries!
"No!" Sophie knelt before him and looked up at him. "Your blindness is temporary. Just think of it as a vacation, and you'll recover soon."
Nathan sneered, "Are you a god? Even the doctors can't guarantee it, but you say I'll recover soon? I don't need such unrealistic comfort!"
He wasn't the type to vent his anger on others, but the immense pressure in his heart was really suffocating him. He needed an outlet to vent, and who asked her not to stay away like everyone else?
"Viscount..." Sophie felt so sad to see him giving up on himself like this.
"Get out!" Nathan wanted to lick his wounds alone and didn't need anyone's pity.
Sophie stood up but remained by his side as if she hadn't heard him.
Nathan could sense that she hadn't left and stared accurately in the direction where she was standing. "Get out!"
Sophie stood tall and said in the calmest tone, "I must serve you dinner."
"Get out!"
Sophie remained unmoved.
Even if he was an injured beast, she wouldn't leave.
He was persistent, and she was even more determined. Nathan had never been so embarrassed. No one had ever dared to disregard his commands. Fine! If she wanted to stay, let her stay!
"Bring me some wine!"
Sophie hesitated a bit. He usually drank wine during meals, but it wasn't dinner time yet! "Would you like to have dinner now?"
"I'm just blind, not brain-dead. Leave or bring me wine, choose yourself," Nathan sneered.
Sophie chose to bring the wine.
From noon to night, Aaron brought in bottle after bottle of wine.
"Is this okay?" Sophie couldn't help asking.
"Let him drink! Being drunk is better than feeling depressed," Aaron said.
He had watched Viscount grow up and understood his current frustration better than anyone else.
As the only son of Lord Benni and the natural heir of Tino Vineyard, if he were to be blind for life, it would inevitably attract other relatives and conglomerates to try to divide the vineyard. What would happen to the winemakers who had worked at Tino Vineyard for a lifetime, or even generations, in the cellars?
Viscount must be depressed about this sudden misfortune!
Aaron knew Nathan was strong-willed and even more uncomfortable in front of their old servants, so he patted Sophie's shoulder and said, "You've had a hard time. Please take good care of Viscount. Please understand that he's in a bad mood and bear with him in everything."
Sophie nodded, "Don't worry, I won't mind."
Aaron sighed and carefully avoided letting Nathan inside the door hear him.
Ah, Miss Victoria is not good! She won't even come and take care of viscount!" "
Sophie helped explain, "Miss Victoria visited on the first day, but Viscount seemed unwelcoming, so she didn't come again."
It would indeed be too much to ask the pampered Victoria to take care of someone, and Sophie was grateful to have the job of caring for him all to herself.
"Don't worry, I'll take good care of Viscount. You've been busy all day. Go to sleep first! After finishing this wine, Viscount should be able to fall asleep."
"You've had a hard time. Call me if you need anything," Sophie nodded, and the old butler waved at her to enter the room and then left.
Sophie approached Nathan, who was casually seated in a chair. His black hair was slightly disheveled, and his sleeves were rolled up to his arms. His disheveled appearance had an evil aura, perfectly fitting his nickname of "Evil Crazy Lion."
How could he possess so many different facets?
Gentle, elegant, cold, evil... No matter which facet it was, she couldn't help but be deeply in love with him.
"Viscount, would you like to have dinner now?" Looking at the meal that Aaron had brought along, Sophie asked. He had been drinking since lunchtime and had already missed dinner. How could his stomach handle this?
Nathan ignored her and slightly raised his eyebrows. "You're the maid, aren't you?"
"Yes, Viscount," she replied. Despite having drunk so much, he still recognized her.
He gestured to the seat next to him, "Sit down, let's have a talk."
How could someone as holy as he be on equal footing with a maid? But now was different. His head was starting to feel dizzy, his consciousness was scattered, and his soul was wandering between reality and dreams. Most importantly, he needed a listener.
Sophie sat down as instructed.
His gaze didn't rest on her, as if he just wanted someone to talk to. He spoke spontaneously, "Do you know? Maybe I'll never see this world again with my eyes."
"Viscount—"
Nathan raised his hand to stop her, "Don't interrupt. Let me finish. More than half of the people in the world specify wines from my vineyard; Tino Vineyard not only controls the economic lifeblood of all of France but is also the largest vineyard in history on a global scale. The business empire I have created will be unparalleled."
"I know."
"Now, I'm facing the threat of blindness."
"It's only temporary!" Sophie quickly defended, "Your eyes will definitely recover!"
"Really? I'm glad someone still has confidence in my recovery," he said with a sarcastic smile.
"My success comes from my sharp vision, but maybe I'll never see Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay again..." He accurately turned towards her position. "If I lose the ability to see the world, can I still make precise decisions?" He picked up the wine bottle and fiercely drank the entire bottle.
His usual elegance was gone, and his frustration and worries were clearly visible on his face. As the pride of heaven, he had never experienced such a helpless setback before!
The bottle in his hand was empty, and he took the wine she offered and drank deeply. Today, he had consumed far more than he had in the past few years. But so what? Was a leader on the decline not allowed to drown his sorrows in drink?
He hated it so much!
Nothing had ever defeated him before. A few years ago, there was an infestation in the vineyard that almost prevented him from delivering the wine to the European royalty, but he ultimately overcame that crisis. He was the Almighty Nathan Tino!
He rubbed the wound at the back of his head. The lump had gradually subsided, but why was everything still dark before his eyes? Was he destined to spend the rest of his days in darkness?
No! This was a dream, a nightmare. He could wake up if he just slept deeply enough. Thinking this, Nathan finished the wine in his hand. His consciousness gradually faded. It was good; he could finally have a good sleep. Everything would return to normal tomorrow, and he would once again be the formidable Evil Lion.
His tone was calm, but the way he drank revealed his inner indignation.
Cabernet and Blanc de Blancs were unique grape varieties at Tino Winery. It was said that every past lord of the winery had the ability to select productive and high-quality Cabernet and Blanc de Blancs, and in an era with many heirs, this talent was even used to choose the next lord; it was the pride and legend of Tino Winery.
Sophie didn't know how they selected the superior varieties, but she believed he was Almighty!
She crouched in front of him and eagerly said, "Cabernet and Blanc de Blancs can produce the red and white wines you are most proud of. I believe they have seeped into your heart. Even if... you can definitely distinguish their quality by taste."
Without realizing it, she held his hand. "Please believe in yourself that you can do it!"
He couldn't see her expression, but her earnestness shook his heart.
He shook his head, trying to clear his alcohol-fogged mind. Was this his little maid? He suddenly wasn't sure. Her concern for him surpassed the boundaries of master and servant.
If she wasn't his little maid, then who was she? The delicate touch of her hand was so soft and warm, and the small palm seemed to possess endless power, flowing into his body.
He couldn't help but grasp the warm little hand and bring it to his lips, kissing it.
The alcohol he had consumed over several hours slowly fermented in his body. His hazy mind, like a bubbling champagne, revealed hints of ambiguity. This was a dream, he thought. That's why he unconsciously voiced his inner fears.
This realization made him smile. That's right, he was the Almighty Nathan Tino. He could never complain about his inner unease to a woman like a helpless child.
So, was she the sweet angel in his dream? Specifically responsible for comforting him. Nathan kissed her hand slowly up her arm. Each kiss brought a burning sensation. Sophie tried to withdraw her hand in panic, but Nathan looked up unhappily.
"Are you trying to escape?"
The wildness in his brown eyes made the desert seem suddenly real to her; he was drunk! She couldn't withdraw her hand and stammered, "Viscount, you've had too much to drink!"
Nathan wouldn't let go of her hand. "You're an angel, my angel."
He leaned close to her face and said, "It's been so long since I've dreamed of an angel."
His gaze was so focused, his eyes so seductive, that she couldn't escape or avoid him.
Under his trusting gaze, she wished she were truly the angel who could comfort his unease!
As she thought about it, she didn't continue to struggle against his grip.
He sensed her submission and pulled her into his embrace, smelling her fragrance and becoming even more confused. He knew he was holding a woman, his angel!
He kissed her lips, gently pecking and savoring her sweetness, then stuck out his tongue to lick her lips, delving into her mouth and conquering her territory.
"You're so sweet! So real!" Nathan whispered, reluctantly ending the long kiss and moving down her jaw, neck, and to her collarbone. He had never kissed such delicate and perfect skin!
Feeling his hand slip under her dress, Sophie grasped his audacious hand. She hadn't expected it to go this far!
Nathan looked up, confused and asked, "Won't you? Aren't you my angel? Everything will return to normal when I wake up tomorrow, and my eyes will heal, won't they?" He buried his head in her shoulder, "Holy Mother! Since you're willing to send an angel to save me, you won't really take away my eyes, will you?"
The pain in his voice tightened her heart. She hugged him and said, "Yes, your eyes will recover soon, I promise."
"Really?"
Looking at his joyful face, Sophie wished she were the Almighty angel! Even if it was just a hazy drunken state, she hoped to give him a night of hope. She cupped his face and firmly kissed his thin lips:
"Really, angels don't lie."
Nathan scooped her up around the waist and, relying on his memory, carried her to his bed, gently laying her down.
He skillfully disrobed both of them. The dream was so real that he could even feel her body temperature rising, but angels had no body temperature.
"Angel?" He shook his head and asked doubts. It seemed somewhat blasphemous, but he really wanted to!
Sophie pulled his head down and pressed her lips to his, saying, "I'm not an angel." Now that she had made her decision, she wouldn't retreat. After tonight, she wouldn't have the courage to bare herself before him again.
He was only a passerby, and she wanted to leave behind perfect memories.
Nathan was momentarily dazed. She wasn't an angel? The sensation from his bare chest was so familiar, and all he smelled was her delicate fragrance.
His female companions always had some body odor or strong artificial scent, but her natural, faint aroma was enchanting.
He licked her carefully and heard her moan, filling his heart with satisfaction. She was a sensitive little thing!
Fragments of memories flashed through Nathan's mind, and he unexpectedly thought of the little maid!
"Are you the little maid?" He asked.
"Of course not." Desire made her voice hoarse and sexy. She knew he was drunk enough to be unsure of her identity, and she didn't want him to know: tonight was just a dream for him, one that would disappear from his memory when he woke up tomorrow.
She was as drunk as he was, offering herself with the utmost desperation. Even knowing it was foolish, she couldn't and didn't want to turn back!
"Love me! Please..." Sophie choked out. Give her the courage to continue; if she lost this chance, she would never have the opportunity to be so close to the man she loved again.
Nathan couldn't see her expression, but he could hear her desperation. He couldn't bear to touch her cheek.
"Don't cry, baby! Don't cry..." He had never felt such pity for any woman before.
The union born of desperation is even more ingrained in the heart!
She would never forget his intense pain, followed by satisfaction.
She could see on his face that he had also derived immense pleasure. After the passion, he finally lay exhausted beside her.
"Baby, stay with me," Nathan entreated. He had never felt such ultimate satisfaction with any other woman. Even if it were a dream, he wanted to retain it!
The strong influence of alcohol and the relaxation after wild passion caused Nathan to fall into a deep sleep. Even unconscious, he still hugged her gently, like protecting his most cherished treasure.
Sophie waited until she heard his steady breathing before gently moving her arm away. Holding her breath, she watched him frown unhappily. She rose slowly and carefully, enduring discomfort to pick up her scattered clothes and put them on.
Her gaze remained fixed on his face. She had no regrets, but she had to leave.
Indeed, regardless of whether he remembered or not, she could not continue serving him calmly as if nothing had happened.
She could not control her heart!
As if fearing she might regret it, Sophie resolutely dialed the phone. When Roman's voice came from the other end, she said,
"It's Sophie. Can you come pick me up?"
After giving the address, Roman promised to leave immediately. In fact, he had been waiting for her call. Since the police station returned her stolen purse two days ago, she knew she wouldn't be staying in the manor for much longer.
It was probably for the best. In just a few days, she had uncontrollably lost her heart. The longer she stayed, the less courage she might have to leave. After all, the lofty him was not from the same world as her. She was already satisfied to have reached this point.
During the waiting time, she stared unblinkingly at him as he slept soundly.
He slept so deeply that even when she snuggled back into his embrace and couldn't resist kissing his face, he didn't stir.
How strange the circumstances of life can be! Before entering the manor, she never imagined she would see a real baron, let alone fall in love with him and have intimate relations with him!
Although it was only a short night, it was enough for her to ponder over for a lifetime.
Without regrets, yet with sorrow and melancholy!
Sophie gently brushed away the black hair covering his forehead and imprinted his sleeping face in her heart.
"Baby" sounds more romantic in French, but this romance was so vague and unrealistic...
Who said it? Men always call their bed partners "baby" to avoid mistaking their names. Tears hovered in her eyes, but she wouldn't let them fall to preserve her precarious self-esteem.
She understood that when he woke up, he wouldn't know who she was, or it wouldn't matter who she was. It was time to leave. She didn't have the courage to face his questioning gaze—even if he couldn't see her at all.
Sophie hesitated to move his arm around her waist, wanting to steal a little more tenderness and pretend he loved her. The morning light shot through the curtain gap ruthlessly, stabbing her eyes. It was really time to go.
She gently took away his strong arm. Nathan frowned slightly, and her heart tightened with fear and anticipation; she was afraid he would wake up but couldn't help but hope he would wake up and stop her from leaving.
Would he stop her?
Sophie chuckled at her own foolishness.
Climbing into the bed of a man with a fiancée, her behavior centuries ago might have been branded with a red A and ridiculed by the world! And his wealth cruelly rationalized her desire for power and wealth!
Her sacred love would become cheap in the criticism of the world.
She rose and pressed a butterfly-light kiss on his cheek, very soft and gentle, not waking him from his slumber but carrying her unspeakable deep love.
Farewell, my love.
Sophie dressed and walked out with determined steps, each step feeling like walking on a bed of knives, yet there was no hesitation. She didn't dare to look back, fearing her remaining willpower would crumble at the sight of him.
Picking up her small luggage, the morning sun witnessed her departure, cooperatively shedding a few drops of rain. The slightly dark sky matched the gloom in her heart.
The manor was so quiet in the morning that there was no sound of human voices. She quietly bid farewell to the old trees, regretting that she didn't have time to thank Anna, Aaron, Martha, Thor, and everyone else who had been so kind to her. She couldn't even say goodbye...
Saying goodbye means fearing to meet again. From now on, she would never set foot on this land again.
Farewell, ancient castle; farewell, my friends; farewell, my love—
As she walked out of the manor, Roman's car was already waiting outside. "Did you get everything?"
She nodded and silently sat in the front seat.
Roman reversed the car and smoothly drove back the way they came.
Sophie turned her head to look at the vast vineyard until she couldn't see a single grapevine anymore. The tears she had been holding back finally streamed down her cheeks...