Silence settled over the room once he left. Eleanor let out a soft sigh, crouched back down, and continued hanging the rest of her clothes in the closet.


    Down in the garden, Evelyn and Serena were blowing bubbles on thewn. Ian walked over carrying a ball. The expansive stretch of grass was perfect for parents to y with their children.


    Hearing her daughter''s brightughter, Eleanor stepped out onto the balcony, leaning against the railing to watch Evelyn''s adorable antics.


    From the second-floor balcony of their own vi, Magdalen and Gina enjoyed the breeze and the view, watching the father and daughter below with fond smiles.


    Dinner was served at the estate''s restaurant. Therge windows looked out over a meticulouslyndscaped water feature, and the food was exquisite. The atmosphere was light and joyous.


    After dinner, the family strolled back to their vis. The estate took on a magical, antique charm under the moonlight, illuminated by glowingnterns and serenaded by chirping insects.


    As they walked, Evelyn suddenly spotted a tiny firefly hovering over the grass. She sprinted toward it excitedly. "Dad! There really are fireflies here!"


    But there were only one or two flickering in the grass, and they quickly vanished. Evelyn rubbed her nose in disappointment. "Where did they go?"


    "Can we go tonight?"


    "It''s toote tonight, and everyone is tired. Let''s get some rest and go tomorrow, okay?"n reasoned with his daughter patiently.


    Being a sensible girl, Evelyn nodded her little head. "Okay, fine!"


    As they reached the vis, Magdalen called out a reminder. "Everyone get to bed early! We have a full day of fun tomorrow."


    "Goodnight,n. Goodnight, Ellie," Serena waved, leading her mother and grandmother into their vi.


    Eleanor,n, and Evelyn headed toward their own vi down the path.


    Once back in the living room, Evelyn refused to go straight to bed. She still wanted to y.


    Eleanor had no choice but to let her. She stayed in the living room to keep herpany. Ian sat on the sofa, watching his daughter happily entertain herself with the provided toys. Suddenly stripped of their work obligations, the two adults found themselves at a loss for what to do.


    It was rare for Eleanor to spend the nightpletely surrounded by nature. She stepped out onto the small patio extending from the room and gazed out at the


    jet


    veling


    pitch ck forest in the distance listening to the asional rustle of


    startled birds.


    A momentter, a figure stepped up beside her. His tall frame exuded an


    undeniable,manding presence.


    "Do you like the quiet?" he asked, his voice low and maic.


    "Yes. I love it," Eleanor nodded.


    "Me too. We shoulde here often."


    Eleanor took a deep breath of the crisp air. The mountain breeze carried a refreshing chill that


    stars,


    vastly brighter and clearer than back


    in the city.


    Suddenly, something lightly brushed against Eleanor''s hand. She looked down to


    seen''s hand quietly covering hers.


    His palm was warm and dry. With a force that was impossibly gentle yet allowed no


    room for refusal, he fully enveloped her left hand in his.


    Eleanor''s body gave an imperceptible flinch. Her instinct was to pull away.


    But the man tightened his grip.


    Eleanor turned her head to look at him. He was already gazing back at her intently,


    his deep eyes shimmering with a captivating light.


    "Eleanor," he murmured. "Just let me hold it for a moment."