The living room was enveloped in an awkward silence.
Everyone was momentarily stunned by the brashness of the young boy’s tone, frozen to the spot.
Mila was taken aback. She was certain she hadn’t offended her young cousin, whom she barely knew, so what was the reason for this unexpected hostility?
Apologize, young man! Gina was the first to recover, pulling her son by the ear, facing Mila with both embarrassment and regret.
Archie wriggled free, clearly displeased. Why should I? I called her what you said, ‘cousin-in-law,’ so what’s the problem?
Archie! Xavier’s voice was stern, his usually calm demeanor barely holding.
Sensing his father’s impending wrath, Archie quickly darted behind Felicity, hiding his tall frame as best he could.
Aunt, help me!
Felicity looked at Mila’s composed face, then at her brother who was approaching with a stern expression, and finally at her overly lively nephew. It was a tricky situation, and all she could manage was a hesitant, You really should apologize…
Archie rolled his eyes dramatically and dashed past his father into the villa, ignoring all calls to return.
Xavier followed him inside.
Listening to the ensuing commotion, Gina felt both mortified and helpless. I’m really sorry. My son is spoiled and thoughtless. We’ll make sure he learns his lesson. Please don’t take it to heart.
Mila forced a smile. I appreciate it, truly.
Gina was left speechless.
…
Thinking of Eugene, Mila felt a pang of emotion. Worrying about disrupting his studies, she hadn’t contacted him since the incident. But she had promised to call once she settled abroad, and it wouldn’t be long now.
After lunch, the older members of the Fontaines, along with Conrad and Felicity, retired to the study for a discussion.
Mila took a leisurely walk in the garden to aid her digestion.
As she strolled, she found herself in the back garden, where a glass conservatory stood—a gift from Conrad to Felicity. Even in winter, it housed blooming red roses, exuding a rich and passionate fragrance.
For seven years, Mila had watched from the sidelines, at times envying the deep, devoted love and marriage her parents-in-law shared.
But as she met more people, she gradually understood that not everyone gets a fairy-tale ending. Life’s true colors are often painted with shades of regret and separation.
She pushed open the door and walked inside, letting her fingers brush over the soft, delicate petals of the roses.