The day was unusually calm, as if the world itself had decided to give me a moment's reprieve. The estate, bustling with activity during its restoration, had fallen into an afternoon lull. Workers had left for their break, and the only sounds were the rustling of leaves in the soft breeze and the distant chirping of birds.
I sat under the massive oak tree in the garden, one of the oldest and most beloved parts of the estate. With a book in hand, I tried to lose myself in its pages, but my thoughts kept drifting to the events of the past few months. The trials, the betrayals, the victories—they were all behind me now, but they lingered like echoes in my mind.
"Lost in thought again?"
I looked up to see Damien approaching, a gentle smile on his face. He carried a small picnic basket, his shirt sleeves rolled up and his tie slightly loosened, giving him an air of relaxed elegance.
