Jasper and I were walking through the city streets to buy some bread from the bakery. The warm spring air brushed against my face, and my light white shirt and brown skirt fluttered in the breeze. The sun was shining brightly, and around us, cars and horse-drawn carriages bustled past. My long golden blonde hair fluttered like wings in the gentle wind.
Jasper and I entered the bakery. Inside, the sweet scent of freshly baked bread and pastries filled the air. Behind the counter stood Uncle Franklin, with his big belly and white hair, smiling warmly at us.
"Well, who do we have here? Layla, is that you?" he said with a surprised laugh.
I smiled and nodded. "Hello, Franklin Uncle! It's been a long time since I last saw you."
He looked at me closely and shook his head. "The last time I saw you, you were just a little twelve-year-old girl. And now you've grown into a beautiful young lady who's sure to catch the eyes of young men!"
Jasper chuckled. "Don't say that, Uncle! Layla is only interested in planting flowers in the garden. Even if boys notice her, she's too busy choosing plants instead of them!"
I gave Jasper a playful nudge. "Stop talking nonsense, Jasper!"
Uncle Franklin laughed warmly. "How's your grandfather, Layla? I haven't seen him in a long time," he asked.
"Grandpa is doing well, thank you! He really missed your pastries," I said with a warm smile.
He took the freshly baked, hot loaves from the oven and carefully placed them one by one into a brown paper bag. Then he grabbed a few pastries from the counter and added them on top of the bread.
I shook my head slightly, looking at the pastries.
"Thank you, sir, but just the bread would be enough," I said politely.
He shook his head firmly and said in a stronger tone, "No, Layla, this is a gift for my old friend Edric. You know, your grandfather always loved these pastries."
I smiled gratefully. "Thank you, sir. My grandfather will be very happy," I said.
I reached out to pay for the warm bread and pastries, but he shook his head again. "No, Layla, this is a gift for my old friend Edric."
I smiled gratefully once more. "Thank you, sir. My grandfather will be very happy." Конецформы
Jasper carefully picked up the warm loaves of bread from the counter, cradling them gently in his arms. The rich scent of freshly baked bread filled the air even more strongly. With light steps, he made his way toward the door. As the sunlight poured through the bakery window, his shimmering shadow stretched across the floor behind him.
I followed him, my heart filled with warmth and a sense of peace.
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Magnus's black car pulled up in front of the luxurious hall known as the "Golden Banquet." It was the place where the most influential merchants of the Duchy of Arvendale gathered.
Inside, ancient walls glimmered under the flickering candlelight, and three prominent merchants waited with heavy seriousness. As Magnus approached, they bowed respectfully.
Lord Everett spoke slowly, "Your Grace, we are honored that you have summoned us."
Magnus sat down by the table with a cold tone. "This is not a gathering for gratitude. I came here for important business."
Sir Edgar took a sip from his glass of wine. "We've heard about your plans for the Arvendale trade zone, Your Grace."
Magnus lightly tapped his fingers on the table. "I'm not planning to just expand the trade zone, I intend to take full control of it."
The merchants glanced at each other. Harold Blackwood adjusted his glasses. "You mean you wish to bring the trade zone under your personal control?"
Magnus directed his gaze at him. "This trade center needs order. The merchants will only benefit from it."
Lord Everett fell into thought. "This will change the entire trade system..."
Magnus smiled. "The system has already changed."
Lord Everett spoke slowly. "If we agree, what guarantees do we have?"
Magnus gave a cold smile. "If you don't agree, what guarantees do you have?"
The merchants could feel the cold determination in his gaze. And eventually... they all nodded, agreeing to the deal. Magnus glanced indifferently at the liquid in his champagne glass and then left the table. Now, it was certain that the Arvendale trade zone would fall into Magnus's hands.
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Jasper and I quickly returned to my grandfather's small cottage in the forest. He was waiting for us at the door.
"Did you bring the bread?" he asked joyfully.
"Yes, Grandpa," I replied, showing him the bread and sweets from the bag. "The baker didn't just give bread, he also gave us some sweets. He remembered you."
My grandfather squinted his eyes and smiled warmly. "It seems Franklin still hasn't forgotten his old friendship. Thank you, my dear."
Jasper, holding my hand, said in a teasing tone, "Now, you're still focusing on flowers, not boys!"
I laughed and shook my head, then said goodbye to Jasper.
My grandfather, however, reminded me in a firmer tone, "Layla, we have work to do in the Eisenhardt estate's garden. Let's go quickly."
I nodded and, with my grandfather, headed towards the Eisenhardt estate.
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At the Eisenhardt estate, the servants were hurriedly preparing—Magnus Von Eisenhardt was on his way. In the luxurious hallway, Duchess Eleanora and Madam Gertrude were waiting for him. The black car stopped in front of the estate. Felix, Magnus's trusted servant, opened the door.
Magnus stepped out of the car with a cold expression. He glanced around before heading inside. The servants bowed and showed him respect. My grandfather and I stood behind the servants. I couldn't bring myself to look at Magnus, so I kept my gaze on the ground.
In the hall, Magnus bowed to his grandmother and mother. "Grandmother, mother," he said in a solemn yet cold voice.
Gertrude smiled warmly. "You seem serious, Magnus."
Eleanora smiled softly. "We've always expected you to be like this."
Magnus sank into a chair. "What's the reason for today's meeting?"
Eleanora took a sip of tea. "Magnus, we've chosen a suitable bride for you."
Magnus's eyes didn't change, but an underlying tension was felt. "Who?"
Gertrude said firmly, "Emily Laurent. She's very beautiful. Her father, Dr. Daniel Laurent, is a doctor and a nobleman."
Magnus's gaze shifted for a brief moment. Laurent. The surname was familiar to him.
Eleanora smiled and continued, "Her mother's name is Charlotte. Now, Emily lives with her father and her youngstep-sister, Charlotte."
Step-sister... Magnus felt a strange coldness inside, but his expression didn't change.
"If this marriage benefits the Eisenhardt family, I agree," he said coldly.
Gertrude sensed his gentle smile and said softly, "So, we will go to the Lavrents' to propose."
Magnus lifted his gaze. "So soon?"
Eleanora smiled and placed her hand on Magnus' shoulder. "We need to be sure, my dear. Our relationship with the Laurents must be strong. They are expecting a lot."
Magnus gently tapped his fingers on the table. "I will handle it."
They were satisfied. But Magnus was thinking. Daniel Laurent...
His fingers slowly clenched into a fist, but he leaned forward and smiled nonchalantly.
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The sky in Arvendale was usually cloudy, but today the sun was shining brightly. I was planting flowers in the garden with my grandfather. A familiar voice came from behind.
"Layla?"
I looked up. It was Lady Janeta – the former head housekeeper of the Eisenhardt estate.
Her face was as calm and warm as always. "I haven't seen you in a long time, Layla," she said with a smile, gently patting my head. "The last time I saw you, you were just a little girl. Now you've become a real lady."
I smiled. "I'm happy to see you again, Lady Janeta."
Janeta turned to my grandfather. "Hello, Edric, I need your help."
Grandfather put down his shovel and looked at her with a questioning gaze. "What's the matter?"
Janeta lowered her voice slightly. "I need to arrange some things on this estate. I need your expertise, Edric."
My grandfather took a deep breath. "Alright, let's go."
They walked away, and I was left alone in the garden.
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I stood in the garden. Although warm sunlight was falling on my shoulders, there was something strange in the air. Then… A cold wind blew. Dark clouds slowly began to cover the sky, but faint rays of sunlight still shone through them.
I took a step back. Just then… I bumped into someone behind me. My body froze. Cold, strong muscles, tall frame… And finally… the low, whispered voice that made my heartbeat stop: "Layla…" This voice… It was Magnus's.
He smiled lightly. "I didn't think you were the daughter of a respectable family."
For a moment, I didn't understand. His gaze was sharp and cold. "My duke" I spoke slowly.
Magnus walked slowly, glancing around. "You take good care of this garden. It's natural. After all, your mother was a gardener, wasn't she?"
I flinched. His words pierced through my heart.
Magnus's ocean-like blue, careless eyes fixed on me. "But you're definitely not like her."
He gently touched my face with his fingers, whispering coldly, "Perhaps you're curious to know. Today, my mother and grandmother told me some very interesting news."
I stood silent.
Magnus leaned forward, scrutinizing my face closely. "Have you heard of the Laurent family?"
I froze for a moment. "Yes... they are a family of renowned doctors."
Magnus smiled. "Yes, that's right. And I will take a bride from the Laurent family."
I stammered, "You... you're getting married?"
Magnus didn't take his eyes off me as he answered softly, "Yes. But the surprising part is... the bride is Emily Laurent."
My blood ran cold. Emily? Myolder step-sister?!