Chapter Nine

Mike looked around and finally decided to venture deeper into the forest. After all, Anna had run into the woods alone, and he had ridden his horse for a long time; he should be close to the little girl by now.

He walked deeper into the forest, and as it grew darker, the scenery opened up. Trees had been felled, and there were even some animal traps hidden under thick leaves. Mike carefully avoided them, feeling quite shocked.

Although he had never been this deep in the forest, he was certain that no one used to live here. Two years ago, some scholars had visited Hilde Estate and ventured into the woods, staying for two days. After that, they quickly left, and Mike had forgotten about it.

Feeling uneasy, Mike continued forward and saw two men in the distance. He quickly hid behind some bushes and observed. They were young workers, dirty and carrying tools, as if they had been digging.

"John, how much longer do we have to stay here? I want to go home," one young man said.

His companion shrugged and said, "That's not up to us. Besides, we need the money, don't we? You're getting married soon, aren't you? It wouldn't hurt to have some extra cash to buy something nice for your fiancée."

"Alright, you're right. But I really miss home. This place is so far away."

They didn't notice Mike and gradually walked away.

Mike emerged from the bushes. These young men didn't sound like locals; they seemed to come from far away. They certainly weren't workers hired by Baron Hilde. But if not by the baron, who had brought them here, and why?

The only thing that reassured Mike was that Anna didn't seem to have come this far. He decided to leave and keep his questions to himself for now.

He walked a considerable distance and eventually found his horse. "Thank heavens," Mike said as he stroked its mane and then mounted it to ride back, meeting his valet along the way.

"Sir, dinner is about to start."

Mike had instructed Bernie, his valet, to wait at the estate, saying he just wanted to take a ride. He nodded to Bernie, and they returned to the estate together.

Vivian was already waiting at the door. Mike hadn't dismounted yet when she approached. She whispered, "Anna has returned. It was you who kept us worried by staying out so long."

Mike was surprised and said, "No matter, as long as Anna is safe."

Vivian took his arm and smiled. "Thanks to Mr. Thomas, who found Anna unconscious while riding and brought her back."

"Mr. Thomas?" Mike raised his voice and quickly lowered it again. "Anna was unconscious? What happened?"

"Dr. Smith examined her and said she's fine. Anna has woken up and said she tripped over something in the woods and fainted."

"Regardless, we must thank Mr. Thomas." Vivian looked a bit sad as she continued, "And we are very grateful to you, Uncle Mike. Since Mother fell ill, you've always been here for us. Father is always out, leaving everything unattended."

Mike gently patted Vivian's hand. "Everything will be alright, I promise."

Vivian forced a smile. "I hope so, Uncle Mike."

Vincent stayed for dinner. Susan's condition was still not good, and Baron Hilde had not returned. The dinner table was occupied by two ladies and two gentlemen. Jennifer and Vivian were not in the mood to talk, making the atmosphere somewhat somber.

Mike couldn't stop thinking about the young men he had encountered in the forest, making his food tasteless. Across the table, Vincent gently kicked his foot, causing Mike to drop his knife and fork with a clatter.

"Is something wrong, Uncle Mike?" Jennifer asked with concern. She still looked a bit weary, barely groomed, fulfilling her duties as the eldest daughter and hostess.

Seeing Jennifer like this, Mike felt a pang of pity. He smiled to conceal his feelings. "I'm fine, Jennifer. Just a bit tired."

Jennifer wanted to say more, but Vivian, sitting beside her, gently placed her hand on Jennifer's wrist, stopping her. "You've had a tough day. Get some rest after dinner," Vivian said.

Mike gave Vivian a grateful look and glanced at Vincent. The young Mr. Thomas winked at him, pleased with his little prank.

They spent day and night together, exchanging kisses and bodily fluids. Mike is familiar with his scent, his warmth, the way he speaks, and the strength of his embrace.

However, Mike hardly understood him.

Emotions that begin with desire are destined to end with one party's marriage, leaving no way out and bearing guilt. Mike involved himself to a limited extent, vainly trying to separate lust from love, and thought he was prepared to withdraw.

Mike was reluctant to learn more about Vincent—his life, his thoughts, everything about him. Once two people connect beyond desire, it becomes challenging to avoid emotional entanglement. And love is something that happens easily: a glance, a word, even a scent caught in passing. Moreover, they had shared so many intimate moments. Even if desire itself is impure and dirty, does that mean love will stop progressing because of it?

Besides, Vincent loved Mike.

The young man's fervent, irrational, and sincere emotions were enough to capture Mike's heart.

But Mike really didn't understand this young man.

After dinner, Mike and Vincent took their leave. With Baron Hilde away and the baroness ill, it wasn't appropriate to stay overnight, especially with the unmarried young ladies in the house. Both men were on horseback, riding together for a short distance before parting ways.

"May I visit your place?" Vincent suddenly asked as they reached the point where they would part. He looked at Mike with eyes full of deep affection, so intense in the moonlight that it seemed almost tangible.

But Mike refused. "I'm very sorry, but it's too late," he said softly. "I'm too tired and want to rest early."

Vincent's face, full of hope, instantly turned to disappointment. "Alright, you do look exhausted." He paused and added, "You seem worried, and it pains me deeply. If you wish to confide in me, I would be most grateful."

"There's nothing, Vincent. I'm just tired. You know Lady Hilde isn't well, and the young ladies are burdened with running the estate. It worries me. If it weren't for your help with Anna, I wouldn't know what to do."

Mike expressed his gratitude once more and reminded Vincent to keep Anna's situation a secret.

"Of course, don't worry. I will keep it to myself."

Mike sighed with relief and then asked Vincent why he was in the woods.

Vincent smiled shyly, his eyes reflecting the moonlight. "I've missed you. Lately, it's been hard to see you. Today, I remembered our first meeting and couldn't resist riding to the pond."

Thinking of the pond made Mike's face flush. He quickly bid Vincent farewell and rode away, trying to appear composed, though his retreating figure suggested a hint of panic.

Vincent watched Mike's silhouette disappear, gradually dropping his smile. In the silent surroundings, his face under the moonlight appeared somber, resolute, and touched with a hint of silver.

Like an ice sculpture.