Chapter 3: Distance

As Alexander sat alone at the dining table the next morning, an unusual occurrence unfolded before him. Lilly, always the first one down for breakfast, was nowhere to be seen. A sense of unease settled within him, and he couldn't help but wonder about her absence. "Could it be about the incident last night?" he pondered, his mind grappling with the consequences of their clash.

Charlotte, the maid, approached with a tray of breakfast and gently placed it on the table. Just as she tried to retreat back to the kitchen, Alexander's cold expression and tension-laden voice halted her in her tracks. "Where is Lilly?" he asked, his words cutting through the air with an edge of concern.

"My lady?" Charlotte responded, her voice laden with understanding. "Lady Lilly will be having her breakfast in her room," she explained, bowing slightly.

Alexander found this departure from their usual routine peculiar, his arrogance momentarily overshadowed by genuine worry for his wife. Despite their strained relationship, he knew Lilly was always the first to partake in breakfast together. The incident from the previous night resurfaced in his mind, but he swiftly dismissed the thought, a distraction from the buzzing of his phone, vying for his attention. With a sigh, he left his untouched breakfast and made his way to work, the unresolved questions lingering in his thoughts.

Meanwhile, Lilly sought solace within the confines of her room, immersing herself in the endless scroll of social media updates. She attempted to drown out the memories of the previous night's turmoil, her fingers dancing across the screen in a desperate bid for distraction. However, the incident played on a loop in her mind, Alexander's harsh words echoing through her thoughts. "You need to learn your place, Lilly," he had declared, a reminder of the boundaries within their arranged marriage.

Though devoid of love, Lilly couldn't deny the impact those words had on her. They reverberated within her, stirring up a whirlwind of conflicting emotions and doubts. Was there truly no room for love in their union? Lost in the sea of virtual connections, she felt an insurmountable distance between her and the reality of her marriage.

Just as Lilly's virtual escape seemed to provide a fleeting respite, a gentle knock on her bedroom door shattered the facade of tranquility. Recognizing the soft cadence as Charlotte's, Lilly uttered a muted "Come in," allowing her trusted companion to enter her sanctuary.

Charlotte stepped into the room, her own breakfast in hand, and immediately noticed the fragile state of Lilly's demeanor. Concern etched across her features, she couldn't help but voice her worries. "My lady, why have you chosen to eat in your bedroom? Are you feeling unwell?" she inquired, her genuine care evident in her voice.

Lilly, mustering a weak smile, attempted to downplay the situation, dismissing it as a mere preference. Yet, the turmoil simmering beneath her fragile facade betrayed her true state of mind. Charlotte, attuned to the unspoken depths of Lilly's distress, sensed that something more profound was troubling her friend. With a decision to preserve their bond, she opted not to press further, at least for now.

Placing her breakfast on the intricately carved nightstand, Charlotte gracefully settled herself beside Lilly on the plush velvet bedspread. A delicate touch from her fingertips traced along Lilly's arm, emanating a subtle warmth that spoke volumes of support and understanding. In that fleeting connection, a myriad of unspoken words passed between them.

The afternoon sun sent its warm rays through the window, casting a golden glow upon the small library nestled within the grand mansion. Lilly sat in solitude, surrounded by the comforting presence of books. Confined within the walls of the mansion due to strict security measures, she sought solace in the world of literature, a lifelong passion that had brought her joy since childhood. She reminisced about her father, whose gentle voice once filled the air as he read bedtime stories, his hand tenderly stroking her hair as he lulled her into peaceful slumber. The memory of those cherished moments evoked a bittersweet longing within her.

Books had always been Lilly's refuge, her escape from the confines of reality. She had reveled in the embrace of her father's love, the warmth of his presence shielding her from the storms of life. But that sanctuary was shattered in the wake of a tragic incident, a mysterious event that still haunted her thoughts. If only her father were still alive, she believed, her life would have taken a different path. Perhaps her mother would have stood against this arranged marriage, and Lilly would not find herself trapped within the confines of shattered dreams.

A tear slipped down Lilly's cheek, carrying with it the weight of regret and unfulfilled possibilities. It was a stark reminder of the irreversible choices that had brought her to this point. Now, all she could do was retreat from Alexander, her husband in name only, and seek solace within the confines of her own home.

At work, Alexander's mind was consumed by a sea of scattered documents strewn across his desk. Lost in the weight of his responsibilities, he remained oblivious to the presence of his younger sister, Amelia, who had quietly entered his office and now stood beside him.

Amelia couldn't help but let out a chuckle, amusement dancing in her eyes as Alexander remained absorbed in his work. Clearing her throat, she playfully interrupted his concentration. "Hmm..." she hummed, drawing his attention to her.

Slowly, Alexander looked up, his gaze shifting to his sister's face, which beamed with the brightest smile. Her hair was playfully styled in a messy bun, and she donned a charming pink dress that accentuated her radiant complexion.

Amelia's smile widened as she spoke, her tone filled with affectionate teasing. "This is so unlike you," she remarked, settling herself comfortably in a nearby chair.

"And you didn't even tell me you were coming," Alexander responded, a subtle warmth flickering in his eyes. Despite his usual cold expression, the sight of his sister managed to evoke a spark of genuine joy within him.

"Firstly," Amelia began, swaying gently on the chair, "you have never been so preoccupied that you didn't notice me entering. And secondly, I wanted to surprise my older brother, who seems to be going through a tough time." Her words were laced with a mix of playful banter and sincere concern.

Alexander's brow furrowed slightly, a rare display of vulnerability on his face. He couldn't help but appreciate Amelia's perceptiveness, her ability to see past his guarded exterior. A flicker of gratitude for her presence and support danced within his eyes.

Taking a moment to compose himself, Alexander closed the file before him and turned his attention fully to Amelia. In that instant, the weight of work seemed to momentarily fade, replaced by the warmth of sibling connection.

As the evening moon began its descent, Lilly had already finished her dinner and found herself helping Charlotte with the dishes. Charlotte protested, insisting that she could handle it on her own. "This is my job, you know," she argued, reaching for a plate that Lilly had just picked up. Lilly let out a sigh and perched herself on the kitchen counter.

"What do you expect me to do?" Lilly pondered, her voice filled with a hint of loneliness. "I'm all alone in this vast mansion, with nothing and no one to talk to." The thought of Alexander not being home yet flickered through her mind, but she quickly dismissed it, pushing her concerns aside.

"What do you mean?" Charlotte's eyes narrowed, a touch of annoyance in her tone. "You have me," she reminded Lilly, her voice carrying a gentle reassurance.

Lilly chuckled softly, her eyes lighting up with warmth. "Oops... how could I forget my best friend," she playfully admitted, rushing toward Charlotte and embracing her from behind. The sound of their shared laughter echoed through the kitchen, momentarily dispelling the weight of solitude. Though the road ahead was uncertain, she knew that with Charlotte's friendship, she would find the strength to endure.

After the dishes were done, Lilly made her way to her bedroom, climbing the staircase. Just as she reached the top, the front door of the mansion unlocked, and Alexander stepped inside, his expression as cold as ever. Lilly froze for a brief moment as their eyes met, her heart fluttering involuntarily. However, she quickly reminded herself of the promise she had made to keep her distance. She averted her gaze, hurriedly ascending the stairs, and slammed her bedroom door shut behind her.

The following week unfolded in a similar fashion. Lilly maintained her distance, purposefully avoiding any contact with Alexander. She tiptoed around the mansion, spending most of her time sequestered in her room or seeking solace in the library. Fortunately, Charlotte remained a steadfast companion, offering comfort and companionship during these trying times.

On a sun-kissed afternoon, the radiant garden unfolded before Lilly like a tapestry of vibrant hues. Blooms of various colors danced upon the gentle breeze, their delicate petals swaying in harmony. The air carried the sweet perfume of blossoms, intermingled with the earthy fragrance of freshly cut grass. A symphony of chirping birds provided the soundtrack to her solitude, as if nature itself was whispering secrets to her soul.

Lilly found herself in the garden, a playful smile adorning her face as she her fingers delicately plucking flowers as if capturing fragments of ephemeral beauty and watched butterflies flutter about. For a moment, she felt like a carefree child, her heart filled with pure joy. She followed a particularly elusive butterfly through the garden but abruptly halted, taking a step back when she noticed Alexander in the distance.

He stood amidst the verdant foliage, his posture rigid and his features etched with a storm of tension and anger. He seemed engrossed in a phone conversation, his face etched with tension and anger. Sensing an intrusion, Lilly turned to leave, but her heart shattered when she overheard something that cut through her like a dagger.