The morning light filtered gently through the tall windows of the Vele mansion, falling across the soft carpet and glimmering on the polished wooden surfaces of the living room. Penila and Amelia sat opposite each other, their conversation flowing naturally, like the hum of a well-oiled machine. They were laughing softly, discussing the family's latest affairs, ways to make Andrew's love life more favorable, and how to ensure he noticed the women in his life properly.
"Honestly, Penila," Amelia said with a faint smile, her teacup poised delicately between her fingers, "Andrew has always had a mind of his own, but sometimes I wonder if he truly notices what's right in front of him."
Penila chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You mean his heart has wandered again?" she teased lightly. "You know how he is. Charming, but clueless in love. He needs someone to show him how to pay attention."
Their laughter filled the room, soft and comforting, as if the mansion itself had paused to listen. They discussed the family matters with ease, the importance of maintaining appearances, the small strategies of keeping Andrew engaged, and ways the younger women in the family could influence him. It was a simple, warm morning, punctuated by shared smiles and a gentle domestic rhythm.
Then, the quiet shift of footsteps at the doorway caught both women's attention. Scarlett entered, her posture elegant yet unusually stiff. She moved toward the sofa and, without a word, sat beside Penila, her sister-in-law. The room's warmth seemed to falter slightly at her sudden presence.
Scarlett's face was drawn, her usual poise tinged with a storm brewing beneath the surface. She didn't speak immediately; she just sat, crossing her legs neatly, hands folded in her lap, and let out a small, almost imperceptible sigh.
Amelia's eyes flicked toward her daughter, noticing the shadow of worry on her face. "Scarlett… you look troubled, my dear," she said softly, placing her teacup down.
Scarlett lifted her gaze, meeting her mother's concerned look. She opened her mouth to speak, then hesitated. Penila, sensing the tension, glanced at her sister-in-law. "Something happened?" she asked gently.
Scarlett finally let out a deep breath. "It's… something I heard from my friends," she said, her tone low but serious. "About… Andrew."
The two women leaned in slightly, curiosity piqued. Amelia's eyebrows knitted together. "About Andrew? What did you hear, Scarlett?"
Scarlett's hands fidgeted in her lap as she spoke. "They were talking… about how he's been noticing Selina lately. How… he's not paying attention to what we've always thought he should. And some of the things they said… it's… it's upsetting."
Penila exchanged a glance with Amelia, both sensing the mixture of frustration, disappointment, and hurt radiating from Scarlett. Amelia shook her head slightly, a faint smile of exasperation crossing her face. "Oh, my child… my daughter is too naive," she said softly. "You think your brother would fall for everything people say?"
Scarlett's lips pressed together tightly, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts. Her friends had painted a picture that made her feel uneasy, almost betrayed by gossip. She had always trusted Andrew's judgment, believed in his loyalty, and thought she understood him well. But now… doubt clouded her perception.
"I don't know, Mother," Scarlett admitted quietly, her voice tinged with frustration. "I… I just don't understand how he could…" She trailed off, shaking her head slightly. Her fingers clutched the edge of her dress as though grounding herself.
Penila reached over, placing a gentle hand on Scarlett's shoulder. "Scarlett, you can't let what others say control your thoughts," she said soothingly. "Andrew is smart. He knows what he wants. And you… you know him better than anyone."
Scarlett nodded slowly, but the tension in her jaw didn't ease. Her mind replayed the gossip her friends had shared the small details about Andrew's attention on Selina, the way people whispered about his romantic preferences, and the notion that he might be drawn away from the family's expectations. It wasn't just the gossip; it was the feeling of being left out, of realizing that her brother's world was moving on in ways she hadn't expected.
Amelia reached out and took Scarlett's hand in hers, giving it a firm, reassuring squeeze. "Listen to me, my dear. People will always talk. Friends, colleagues, strangers… it doesn't matter. What matters is how Andrew chooses to act, and what you know to be true about him. Don't let rumors dictate your heart."
Scarlett looked at her mother, absorbing her words. The warmth in Amelia's eyes reminded her that despite her worries, she wasn't facing this alone. And Penila's supportive presence beside her offered a quiet comfort that made the room feel safer, even as her mind continued to swirl with anxious thoughts.
"I… I just can't help thinking about it," Scarlett murmured, finally allowing a small breath to escape. "It feels like… maybe I don't understand him as well as I thought."
Penila gave her a soft, encouraging smile. "You do understand him," she said firmly. "More than anyone else. This isn't about you not understanding him. It's about people twisting what they see into their own stories. Don't let them make you doubt your instincts."
Amelia nodded, her expression thoughtful but kind. "Exactly. And if Andrew's heart is where it belongs, then nothing anyone says can change that. You know your brother. Trust him, trust yourself, and don't let gossip steal your peace."
Scarlett exhaled slowly, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. She leaned back against the sofa, letting the familiar comfort of her mother and sister-in-law's presence soothe her nerves. For a moment, the mansion felt warm and safe again, the sunlight reflecting softly on the polished floors, highlighting the intricate patterns of the carpet and the elegant furniture.
Though she still felt the sting of what she had heard, Scarlett realized that she didn't need to let it control her emotions. Her brother's decisions were his own, and her role wasn't to predict or worry .It was to support and understand him.
A small, almost imperceptible smile curved Scarlett's lips. "You're right," she said softly, her voice steadier now. "I just… I need to remind myself not to take everything at face value. I just… care too much, I suppose."
Amelia's hand gave hers one last reassuring squeeze. "That's because you have a good heart, Scarlett. Never let that change. And remember the family always has each other's backs, no matter what anyone else says."
Penila chuckled lightly. "And don't worry. Andrew will do as he pleases, just like always. All the gossip in the world won't change that. But it's good that you know better to be aware than caught off guard."
Scarlett nodded, feeling the weight of her mood lift slightly. The gossip she had heard still lingered in her mind, but with her mother and sister-in-law's support, it no longer felt overwhelming. She could think clearly, plan her next steps, and face whatever Andrew's world might throw at her with calm, poise, and her heart intact.
The living room was quiet again, but this time, it was peaceful. Scarlett leaned back, feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin, and allowed herself a small sigh. It wasn't a perfect day, but it was a start. And for now, that was enough.