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The next morning, Sofia woke to the soft rays of sunlight streaming through the curtains in her modest but cozy guest room. Blackwood Manor was quiet, the kind of stillness that felt heavy, like the house itself was holding its breath.
After getting ready, she made her way to the kitchen. Mrs. Carter was already bustling about, humming softly as she prepared breakfast.
"Good morning, dear," the housekeeper greeted warmly. "Sleep well?"
"Yes, thank you," Sofia replied, pouring herself a cup of tea. "Lily hasn't woken up yet?"
Mrs. Carter chuckled. "She's an early riser, but on weekends, she tends to sleep in a little. If you're lucky, you might get a quiet hour before the whirlwind begins."
Sofia smiled, appreciating the peaceful start to her day. But just as she was about to take a sip of tea, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway.
"Miss Paterson! Miss Paterson!" Lily's voice rang out, and moments later, the little girl burst into the kitchen, her face glowing with excitement.
"Good morning, Lily," Sofia said, setting her cup down. "What's got you so excited this early?"
"I want to show you the garden!" Lily said, practically bouncing on her toes. "It's my favorite place! Can we go now? Please?"
Mrs. Carter smiled as she handed Lily a slice of toast. "Let her eat something first, Miss Sofia. Otherwise, she'll drag you all over the grounds with an empty stomach."
Lily grabbed the toast and took a big bite. "There. Done!"
Sofia laughed, standing up. "Alright, lead the way."
A Secret in the Garden
The morning air was crisp and cool as Lily led Sofia outside. The sprawling gardens of Blackwood Manor stretched endlessly, filled with vibrant flowers, neatly trimmed hedges, and towering trees that swayed gently in the breeze.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Lily asked, spinning around with her arms outstretched.
"It's like something out of a fairy tale," Sofia agreed, marveling at the scenery.
Lily grabbed her hand and pulled her toward a path lined with roses. "Come on, there's a secret spot I want to show you!"
They followed the path until it opened into a secluded area surrounded by tall hedges. In the center was a stone bench, partially covered in moss, and a small fountain with crystal-clear water trickling down.
"This is my thinking spot," Lily whispered, as if sharing a great secret. "I come here when I miss Mommy."
Sofia's heart ached at the honesty in Lily's voice. She knelt down beside her, brushing a strand of hair from the little girl's face. "I bet she'd love this place, too. It's peaceful and beautiful, just like her."
Lily nodded, her eyes watering but her smile unwavering. "Daddy says she's always watching over us. Do you think that's true?"
"I do," Sofia said gently. "I think she's very proud of you and your dad for being so strong."
Lily hugged Sofia suddenly, her small arms wrapping tightly around her. Sofia held her close, feeling a rush of protectiveness for the child.
"Thank you, Miss Paterson," Lily murmured. "I like having you here."
Sofia smiled, blinking back tears. "I like being here, too."
An Unexpected Encounter
Later that afternoon, Sofia was walking back toward the house after tucking Lily in for a nap. The gardens had left her feeling calm, but her peace was interrupted when she spotted Ryan standing near the stables, speaking with a tall man dressed in a sharp suit.
She hesitated, not wanting to intrude, but the tension between the two men was palpable. Ryan's tone was low and firm, but his body language showed he was on edge.
"You've had enough time, Ryan," the man said, his voice carrying across the yard. "The board is losing patience. We need answers."
"I said I'd handle it," Ryan replied curtly. "That's all you need to know."
The man shook his head, muttering something under his breath before walking away. Ryan watched him leave, his jaw tight, before turning and noticing Sofia standing a few yards away.
"Miss Paterson," he said, his tone neutral but his expression unreadable. "Enjoying the gardens?"
Sofia nodded quickly, hoping she hadn't overstepped. "Yes, they're stunning. Lily showed me her favorite spot."
Ryan's tense demeanor softened slightly at the mention of his daughter. "She loves it out there. It was her mother's favorite place, too."
Sofia hesitated, then decided to ask. "Is everything alright?"
Ryan looked at her for a long moment, as if debating how much to say. Finally, he sighed. "Just business. Nothing for you to worry about."
But Sofia couldn't ignore the weight in his voice or the shadow in his eyes. It was clear that Ryan Blackwood was a man carrying more burdens than he let on.
"If you ever need help, I'm here," Sofia said quietly.
Ryan's lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile. "I'll keep that in mind."
As he walked back toward the manor, Sofia stood there, her curiosity about Ryan deepening. Behind the cold exterior and the walls he had built around himself, there was a man struggling to hold everything together—for his daughter, his family, and perhaps even himself.
And for reasons she couldn't yet explain, Sofia felt drawn to him—not just out of duty, but because she wanted to help heal the fractures in his life, just as he was unknowingly helping her mend her own.
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