The grand Fairchild estate was bustling with activity. As the old patriarch's birthday drew near, relatives from every corner of the world began to descend on the mansion like bees to honey.
The air was thick with excitement, but for Ana, the days had grown increasingly unbearable.
It had been over a two weeks since Harry had left for an overseas business trip. In his absence, Ana found herself with no one to lean on, no one to shield her from the spiteful sneers and suffocating loneliness. Before leaving, Harry had arranged for a professional trainer to give her daily horseback riding lessons.
She appreciated the gesture but even that sanctuary was tainted.
Trisha and Sasha had also begun lessons, and every morning became a battlefield. Trisha, in particular, used every chance she got to pick on Ana, throwing carefully aimed barbs laced with jealousy.
But Ana was not an easy target. Her calm demeanor, sharp tongue, and quiet dignity disarmed Trisha every time. Still, the tension was exhausting.
Ever since Trisha decided to make things difficult, her life had become a quiet storm.
In this vast estate, only three people ever truly treated her like a human being Harry, Kimberly, and sweet little Nina. The rest either ignored her presence or looked down on her with veiled scorn. The maids, though deferential in Harry's presence, were quick to mock her behind closed doors, sneering at her as nothing more than a kept mistress.
Each day without him felt like a year. Ana missed him terribly. He was her one solace in this cruel world.
That afternoon, Ana found solace in the flower garden, her favorite place in the entire estate. The scent of roses and lilies wrapped around her like a familiar lullaby. She sat on the old swing beneath the flowering arch, gently rocking, her eyes fixed on the horizon.
But her thoughts were far from peaceful.
What am I even doing here?
Everything was harder than she'd imagined. She had originally come here as a paid surrogate nothing more than a vessel. She hadn't expected to fall in love with the man whose child she carried. She hadn't expected that he, too, would fall for her.
Yet, despite the kisses, the sweet words, and stolen moments of happiness, she knew the truth: she and Harry were from two different worlds. And worse… he already had a wife.
Her fingers clutched the swing's iron chain as her head slowly leaned against it.
Once I fulfill my end of the bargain… I'll have to disappear.
Tears prickled at the corners of her eyes. She closed them tightly, as if she could shut the world out along with her grief.
Unbeknownst to her, someone was watching.
A young man strolled leisurely through the estate grounds, admiring the landscape. His steps came to an abrupt halt when he saw her like a goddess misplaced in the mortal world. His breath caught.
She looked ethereal. A palm-sized face, cherry lips, skin as delicate as porcelain, long black hair cascading like a waterfall over her white dress. She sat amidst the flowers like she belonged to the garden, an enchanting painting come to life.
Russell Fairchild stood frozen, unable to blink, his heartbeat racing wildly in his chest. Compelled, he approached her.
Sensing a presence, Ana opened her eyes and found herself face-to-face with a tall, strapping young man beaming at her.
Her brows furrowed. She quickly stood up and stepped away from the swing.
"Who are you?" she asked, guarded.
"Hello," he said, clearing his throat. "My name is Russell Fairchild. I'm the Old Master's grandson."
Ana blinked. Another grandson? She had neither seen nor heard of him before. Was he from a different branch of the family?
Russell smiled nervously. "Are you a guest here?" he asked, clearly hoping for more.
Ana was about to answer when a guard briskly walked over.
"Sir, you cannot be here," the guard said firmly. "This section of the estate is restricted. Please follow me out."
Ana turned away and began walking back, not looking behind her.
"No, wait..." Russell tried to bypass the guard, but the man stepped in front of him, blocking his way.
With irritation boiling over, Russell swung a punch, only for the guard to sidestep. Russell's momentum sent him tumbling to the ground. Dirt clung to his fine clothes, and humiliation painted his face red.
"You dare treat me like this?! Do you know who I am, you fucking bastard?!" he roared.
"Unauthorized guests are not permitted in this area," the guard responded coolly.
Russell stormed off, seething. He was a Fairchild too! Yet, he was treated like a common criminal, while Harry enjoyed the highest privileges. And now this woman, this captivating stranger was living in his cousin's house? Unforgivable.
One day, he swore, the entire estate would belong to him. And everyone....everyone....would show him the respect he deserved.
From a distance, two women had watched the entire scene unfold.
Sasha stood in glamorous attire, her makeup flawless as always. Beside her stood a breathtaking young woman with elegant features and piercing eyes...Trisha. They both looked at each other and smiled knowingly.
The young ladies of the extended family who had arrived at the estate days before the big party were gathered in the Tea Garden for an elegant midday reception. Ana sat quietly beside Kimberly, sipping from her cup,listening to them talk about who has better luxury item than the other. Sasha's voice rang out with theatrical cheer.
"Ladies, have you met our unexpected guest this afternoon?" Sasha gestured toward the entrance, where Russell entered with a confident smile.
Ana was surprised. He was here again.
Russell's eyes found her immediately, a flicker of warmth flashing in his expression as he walked toward them.
"I hope I'm not intruding," he said, bowing slightly. "Old Master asked me to mingle more… said I was being a ghost."
"Oh, nonsense," Sasha purred. "We're just glad to have another Fairchild male in our presence. Especially one as charming as you."
Ana kept her eyes on her tea, but she could feel his gaze never leaving her.
Kimberly leaned close to Ana, whispering, "Isn't he the one you met in the garden the other day?"
She gave the faintest nod.
"Cousin, come sit beside me"Trisha said.
Russell pulled a chair closer to Ana's chair ignoring Trisha's glare and the tension suddenly thickening in the air. Turning his attention towards Ana "Miss, I never got to finish our conversation. Do you enjoy flowers?" he asked, lightly. "I noticed you seem at peace in the garden."
Ana's posture remained stiff. "It's quiet there. That's all."
Sasha's eyes gleamed with mischief as she leaned in. "Oh, Ana has many secrets. It's what makes her so fascinating, don't you agree, Russell?"
Ana's fingers tightened around her cup.
Kimberly interjected, voice calm but cold. "Some of us enjoy peace without being the subject of interrogation."
The conversation died quickly after that, but Russell stayed close, subtly finding excuses to speak to Ana throughout the day.
The Ballroom
By evening, the grand ballroom was alive with music and dance practicing. Reina stood at the far corner of the room in a pale blue dress. Her presence was modest, quiet but undeniably stunning. She didn't want to partake in any of this activities but Kimberly wanted her to have fun. Everyone had a dance partner. Trisha was dancing with her partner.
From across the ballroom, Russell's eyes were fixated on Ana. He swiftly disengaged from Trisha, passing her off to another male partner. Trisha glared angrily at him.
He walked over and extended his hand. "May I have this dance?"
Ana hesitated. Around them, heads turned. She knew what this would look like.
"I don't think it's appropriate," she said under her breath.
Russell's voice lowered. "It's just a dance. Besides, if people are going to whisper… shouldn't it be worth whispering about?"
Before she could refuse, Trisha swooped in again, clutching Russell's arm. "Careful, cousin. You'll break hearts tonight if you keep chasing ghosts."
Russell smiled politely and allowed her to drag him away but not before casting Ana one last look.
Kimberly, who had been watching, came to Ana's side. "That boy's trouble," she said quietly. "Be careful of him."
Ana's brows drew together. "He's family, isn't he?"
Kimberly's lips tightened. "Family doesn't always mean loyalty. Be careful."
After the dance, Ana stepped into the garden for air. The stars above shimmered like diamonds, and the wind carried the faint sound of music still drifting from inside.
She was alone—until Russell appeared again. The sight of him made her frown. Stalker. She thought.
"I thought you might be here," he said softly. "You don't like parties, do you?"
She didn't answer.
He stepped closer. "Why won't you talk to me?"
"You shouldn't seek me out," she said flatly.
She turned to him, eyes narrowed. "You don't know me."
"I want to."
Silence stretched between them.
But before anything else could be said, a voice rang from the shadows. "Miss Ana."
It was one of Harry's men—his personal assistant.
Ana stepped away from Russell instinctively.
The assistant bowed. "A call just came in from Mr. Harry. He'd like to speak with you. Immediately."
Ana didn't look back as she walked away.
Russell stood still in the garden, watching the night reclaim her.