Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 214

The pond stretched out before them, a sea of green with leaves layered thick and lush, each one glossy as polished emerald. Here and there, pink water lilies bloomed, scattered across the water like stars in the night sky.

Sunlight filtered down through the leaves, casting golden sparkles across the surface of the pond. The water shimmered, clear all the way to the bottom, and every now and then a gentle breeze would carry the sweet fragrance of the flowers, making them sway gracefully, as if they were dancing for their own delight.

“It’s so beautiful,” Lydia murmured.

She sat in the shade of the pavilion, lips curled in a soft smile, lost in the view. The whole scene felt impossibly peaceful, like it belonged to another world.

Connor stood beside her, watching the sunlight play along her features. She looked bright and delicate, her profile almost glowing in the afternoon light. The thought drifted through his mind, unbidden but true. No flower in this pond could compare to her.

“If you like it here, you can visit whenever you want,” he said, his voice low and warm, filled with a tenderness that lingered in the air between them.

Lydia nodded, the corners of her eyes crinkling with a quiet happiness. “I’d love that.”

This place really was something special. Just sitting here, surrounded by green, she could feel the tension slipping from her shoulders. The Jefferson family had invested so much in the gardens that even in the middle of summer, the air in the pavilion felt cool and fresh, the breeze soft against her skin.

“Lydia, when are you free? Can we hang out sometime?” Chris popped up beside Lydia, eyes sparkling, grinning like he’d just discovered her favorite secret.

Connor’s eyes narrowed. He had just been admiring Lydia, soaking in the quiet moment, when suddenly Chris’ annoying face appeared right in his line of sight.

With a chilly tone, Connor said, “Go bring over the snacks and drinks for Lydia.”

Chris looked like he wanted to argue, but after a second, he just shrugged. “Alright, alright, I’m going.”

The moment Chris was gone, Connor’s stern expression melted away. A smile played at the edge of his lips.

Lydia went back to quietly admiring the flowers, her gaze soft and dreamy. Connor stayed beside her, content just to watch her, his presence steady and reassuring.

Before long, he realized she wasn’t just resting her eyes. She had actually fallen asleep, her cheek nestled on her folded arms, looking for all the world like a sleepy kitten curled up on the wooden table.

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