Welcome to the Rose Mansion - Chapter 42
‘How did it come to this?’
There was definitely a time when my mother truly cared for me, and I truly loved my mother.
Is it all my fault? Because I didn’t do well enough. Is that why it turned out this way?
If only I were as wise as my father.
If only my father were here with us now…
‘I just want to sink down and disappear.’
Swallowing something that felt like a mix of a sigh and tears, that moment arrived.
Knock, knock, knock.
Like salvation, a rhythmic knock sounded through the room. After a brief pause, the drawing room door opened.
Swaying, black hair like silk threads fluttered in the breeze. A beautiful face with a charming smile appeared through the gap in the door.
“Pardon me.”
Rogéros Walter bowed elegantly. Even Madam Howard paused to gaze at him, caught off guard by his flawless demeanor.
“Madam Howard, Madam Otis asked if you would like to join her for tea.”
“Ah… Madam Otis, you say?”
Madam Howard stood up as if enchanted. Rogéros smoothly guided her towards the butler, then turned to Richelle with a light twinkle in his eyes.
It was odd. The moment Richelle’s eyes met those brown ones, she somehow found it a bit easier to breathe.
“Ahem, it’s impolite to decline an invitation from the lady of the house. Let’s continue our conversation later, Richelle.”
Madam Howard seemed quite pleased with the invitation to Madam Otis’s teatime. With a smile pulling at her lips, she strutted off following the butler.
Richelle aimlessly followed her mother’s departing figure with her eyes. She felt relieved to be able to avoid her mother yet disgusted with herself for feeling that way.
Suddenly remembering Rogéros was still there, Richelle turned to him with a faint smile.
“I must have seemed a bit odd earlier, right? I’m sorry if I startled you. And thank you for passing on the message.”
“Miss Howard.”
With a gentle gaze, Rogéros reached out his hand. His cautious touch brushed the hair back behind her ear.
“You look pale.”
“Ah.”
Richelle stepped back, covering her ear. The tips where his fingers had touched felt burning hot.
Rogéros, with his hands politely behind him, surveyed the drawing room.
“This drawing room is one of the places in the mansion where much care has been taken. However, every time I visit, I somehow feel a bit suffocated. It’s not a place where one enjoys staying for long.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, which is why I was wondering, would you like to go for a walk together? Breathing some fresh air will surely improve your mood.”
It was about time to return to the twins.
But somehow, truly, it felt as if a heavy weight was pressing down on her shoulders.
“Alright.”
Richelle nodded agreeably.
***
The distant fragrance of roses lingered at the tip of her nose. The two walking through the garden remained silent throughout.
“Shall we sit for a moment?”
Suddenly, Rogéros spoke up. Following his gaze, Richelle noticed a white swing nestled among the rose bushes. Her eyes slightly trembled. It closely resembled the swing her father had installed for her in her childhood.
Rogéros strode over and firmly held the swing, making it easier for her to sit. Richelle hesitated but eventually accepted his consideration gratefully. Sitting on the swing, the scent of roses became even more intense.
“Are you not on good terms with your family?”
Rogéros reopened the conversation after a bit of time had passed since they settled on the swing.
Richelle smiled bitterly, interlocking her hands.
“It seems you heard my conversation with my mother.”
“I apologize for that, Miss Howard. I arrived to deliver a message from Madam Otis and couldn’t help overhearing a little.”
“It’s unavoidable since I was loud. I wasn’t accusing you.”
“And your expression darkened considerably upon hearing of your mother’s visit.”
A look of concern appeared on Rogéros’s face. So, it was that obvious.
Her face heated up. The idea of having her flaws exposed to such a beautiful man was unbearably embarrassing.
‘Did he also hear that Mother is targeting the Otis family?’
If so, she felt like hanging herself on the spot. Anxiety surged as she met the man’s scrutinizing gaze.
“Miss Howard.”
Rogéros’s soft call came.
“May I share a secret with you?”
“…A secret?”
Richelle looked up at Rogéros. A gentle smile played on his lips.
He brought his hand to his mouth and whispered softly.
“It’s a secret I’ve never told anyone.”
Like a serpent tempting her.
