They were beautiful.
Colors everywhere, bright and alive. Red roses, yellow sunflowers, white lilies… nothing like the dull flowers back at my old estate.
Workers moved quietly among the blooms, trimming leaves, watering, carrying baskets. The scent was dizzying, sweet and soft. For the first time in a long while, everything felt… peaceful.
I wanted to stay here forever.
My bare feet sank into the cool grass. I hadn't noticed the stares until a tiny tug at my gown made me flinch.
Looking down, I saw a little girl, no older than five, dirt smudging her cheeks, her simple dress stained, eyes bright with curiosity.
"Hi."
Her voice cracked through my thoughts. I forced a smile, glancing at the workers. They quickly turned away.
"My name is Daisy," she said proudly, pointing at a patch of daisies behind her. "Like those flowers."
I smiled again, but my chest tightened. I couldn't speak. I couldn't tell her my name.
Slowly, I raised my hand to my throat and shook my head.
She blinked in confusion, staring at me for a long moment. I bit down on my lip, my heart sinking.
But then... her eyes widened with realization.
Her small brow furrowed. "You can't speak."
The words weren't cruel, just an observation. But my chest ached anyway. I tapped my shoulder, then my own face, making a sad expression. Slowly, I pointed at her, asking why she was frowning.
Her face softened, and her voice dropped to a whisper. "I want to know your name. You're very pretty."
I froze. No words could cross the barrier of my throat. But I could gesture. Slowly, I led her hand to a lily, then back to my chest.
"Lily?" she asked, wide-eyed.
I nodded, and her face lit up. "Lily! We're alike! We're both named after flowers!"
Her joy warmed me, a small spark I hadn't felt in years. For a moment, I could breathe.
Then, the sound of the gate creaking shattered it.
A low rumble of an engine followed. Ice ran through my veins. He was back.
I yanked my hand from Daisy's and spun around, pressing myself against the wooden frame of the garden gate.
"Lily?"
Her small voice called after me, but I couldn't stop. I ran barefoot, ignoring the prick of grass under my feet, ignoring my heart hammering in my chest.
A car door slammed. I froze.
He was staring.
Even behind dark glasses, I could feel his gaze pinning me in place. My stomach twisted.
I didn't know if he was angry, disappointed… or both.
I gripped the edge of my gown, waiting, every nerve screaming for me to run or to hide.