As I dropped the subject, Lily's expression relaxed, and she smiled warmly at me. "I'm just glad you're home safe, dear," she said, her voice filled with genuine concern.
I smiled back, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her. "Thanks, Lily. It's good to be home."
Lily nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've got a surprise for you, dear. Dinner is ready, and Adriel has joined us. He's been eager to see you."
I had always gotten along with Adriel, and I was curious to know what he had been up to.
As we made our way downstairs, the aroma of roast beef and fresh vegetables wafted up, making my stomach growl with hunger.
Adriel stood up from his seat at the dinner table, a warm smile on his face. "Blossom, it's so great to see you," he said, opening his arms for a hug.
I hugged him back, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity. Adriel had always been like a breath of fresh air, his easygoing nature a welcome respite from Vincent's intensity.
As we sat down to dinner, the conversation flowed easily, with Adriel regaling us with stories of his latest business ventures.
But despite the warmth and camaraderie, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Vincent's distance still lingered.
As dinner drew to a close, Adriel pushed his chair back, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Blossom, can I have a word with you?" he asked, his voice low and serious.
I nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. What did Adriel want to talk to me about?
As we stepped out of the dining room, Adriel's expression turned grave. "Blossom, I need to warn you about something," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
My heart skipped a beat as I wondered what was coming next.
"What is it, Adriel?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Adriel glanced around nervously, ensuring we were out of earshot. "It's about Vincent," he said, his expression serious. "He's been under a lot of stress lately, and I'm worried it's starting to affect him."
I frowned, feeling a pang of concern. "What kind of stress?" I asked.
Adriel hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Business problems, mostly. But there's something else, something he's not telling me."
My curiosity was piqued. What could Vincent be hiding?
Just then, Vincent appeared at the doorway, his eyes narrowing as he took in the serious expressions on our faces. "What's going on?" he asked, his voice low and even.
Adriel's expression smoothed out, and he forced a smile. "Just discussing fun stuff, Vincent. Nothing to worry about."
Vincent's eyes lingered on me, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of something - concern, maybe, or even affection. But it was quickly extinguished, replaced by his usual mask of indifference.
"I need to speak with Adriel," Vincent said, his voice curt. "Excuse us."
As Adriel followed Vincent out of the room, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. What was Vincent hiding? And what did Adriel know that he wasn't telling me?
I watched as Vincent and Adriel disappeared into the study, feeling a sense of frustration wash over me. What were they discussing? And why did I get the feeling that it was something important?
I decided to distract myself by taking a walk in the gardens. The cool evening air and the sound of the fountain might help clear my head.
As I strolled through the gardens, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Vincent's behavior, Adriel's warning...it all seemed to be pointing to something, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
Just as I was starting to relax, I heard the sound of footsteps behind me. I turned to see Vincent approaching me, his eyes fixed intently on mine.
"Little de," he said, his voice low and husky. "I need to talk to you."
My heart skipped a beat as I wondered what he wanted to say. Was it something about Adriel's warning? Or was it something more?
"Okay," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Vincent's eyes seemed to bore into mine, as if searching for something. And then, in a movement that was both sudden and gentle, he reached out and took my hand.
"Let's walk," he said, his voice low and even.
As we strolled through the gardens, the tension between us was palpable. What did Vincent want to talk about so eagerly?
As we walked through the gardens, Vincent's eyes fixed intently on mine. "Dee," he said, his voice low and even. "I have something to tell you."
I looked up at him, my heart pounding in my chest. "What is it?"
Vincent's gaze seemed to bore into mine, as if searching for something. "I'm going to be traveling," he said finally.
My heart sank, feeling a pang of disappointment. "Where are you going?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.
Vincent's expression was unreadable. "Europe. I have some business to attend to."
I nodded, trying to process this information. How long would he be gone? And why did I get the feeling that this trip was more than just business?
As we stopped walking, Vincent reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. The touch sent shivers down my spine.
"When do you leave?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
Vincent's eyes locked onto mine. "Tomorrow."
I felt a jolt of surprise. Tomorrow? That was so soon.
I felt a pang of disappointment at the thought of Vincent leaving so soon. "Tomorrow?" I repeated, trying to process this information.
Vincent nodded, his expression unreadable. "Yes. I'm afraid it's unavoidable."
I took a deep breath, trying to be understanding. "Okay," I said finally. "How long will you be gone?"
Vincent's eyes seemed to cloud over, and he hesitated before answering. "I'm not sure," he said finally. "It could be a few weeks, or...or longer."
I felt a surge of anxiety at the thought of Vincent being away for an unknown amount of time. What am I supposed to be doing? And what would happen while he was away?
As if sensing my unease, Vincent reached out and gently brushed his fingers against my cheek. "Don't worry, Little de," he said softly. "I'll be back before you know it."
I looked up at him, searching for reassurance in his eyes. But as I gazed into their depths, I saw something there that made my heart skip a beat. Something that looked almost like...longing.
As I stood there, frozen in surprise, Vincent's mask slipped back into place, and he stepped back, his eyes cold and distant once more.
"Dee, I need you to promise me something," he said, his voice firm.
"What is it?" I asked, feeling a sense of trepidation.
"I need you to stay here at the mansion, with Lily," Vincent said, his eyes boring into mine. "Do not leave the premises for any reason. Do you understand?"
I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. At least I wouldn't be alone.
Vincent's expression softened slightly. "I'll be leaving one of my trusted men, Ryder, to keep an eye on you and Lily," he said. "He'll ensure your safety while I'm away."
I felt a sense of curiosity about Ryder, but before I could ask any questions, Vincent continued.
"You'll be safe, Blossom," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "I promise you that. Just stay here, and let Ryder take care of everything else."
"I should go," he said abruptly. "I have preparations to make for my trip."
And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing alone in the gardens, feeling confused and more than a little unsettled.