The familiar Garden

[ in the Banquet Hall]

Maverick Gallen was invited in the Dwight family's Banquet. When he arrived around 6:00pm Just in time, He was accompanied by a woman. That woman was Victoria Parker. When the reporters notice that Maverick came, they all quickly went to him and took pictures as he entered the Venue with a Beautiful swan like woman. Everyone always thought that 2 of these people are a couple that has been separated by a Third party. According to the rumors it is said that Maverick Gallen was forced to marry a woman named Eris which makes her an obstacle between the real couple. Maverick and Victoria went over to greet Alex Dwight.

Noah Dwight was the young brother of Christopher Dwight. He shakes hands with Maverick and Victoria then smile "well its good to see you again Mr. Gallen, I am glad that you accept the invitation to attend the Banquet." Noah then looks down at the little prince behind him and signal him to greet Maverick. Izan went to Noah's side and offers his tiny cute hand to Maverick then shakes hands with him, his lips curled upward and gives them a polite smile "it is nice to meet you Mr. Maverick! I heard a lot about you." Izan shows them a smile yet suppressed his urge to Question Maverick since it is impolite to do, he thought 'why did you got divorce with Pretty Sister!?' The day he last met his Pretty Sister he asked his Noah to why her Pretty Sister got divorced. After his uncle heard his question, he saw the surprised expression from his uncle then asked in disbelief "what?? She is married!? And she got Divorce today while you and your father ate lunch with her !?" instead of answering his question, judging from his uncle's reaction he sighs and thought 'My uncle is not reliable'. Izan's curiosity grew each day and can't get it out his mind so he went to Christopher and asked him "father? Why do people get divorce?" waiting for his father's answer. Christopher looks at his son and he raised a brow "why are you curious of people that get Divorce all of a sudden? You're too young to think about this." Izan looks at his father and respond "that's because when I met Pretty Sister today, I saw her coming out of court then she told me that she just got Divorce." Hearing that, Christopher had the same Rection as Noah and acquire the same Curiosity his son had so, he went to send someone to investigate the day Eris went to court. When he finally receives the information about Eris's Marriage with Maverick Gallen, he told his son that he should personally ask Ms. Etherel instead of finding out through him. Christopher decided not to tell the child since according to the information he manages to collect, the marriage started off when Eris has 'Tricked 'Maverick into marrying her." Christopher was somehow bothered at the thought of Eris being married to Maverick; at the same time, he also believes that the information he receives has different sides of story. The father and son remain being curios about Eris Stanley. Eris's identity being one of the daughters of the wealthiest powerful family, stayed hidden in order for her to build her own success than relying on being known for her family's success.

Both the father and son had never Expect for the Pretty Sister to Appear in The Banquet.

Around [ 6:30 a dark red Lamborghini appeared outside the Dwight Family's gate]

One reporter saw the Lamborghini and recognizes the little symbols of the Stanley on the sides and the front of the car. The reporter saw a young handsome man came out of the car and hurriedly called out "Mr. Carson Stanley!". A lot of reporters excitedly rushed around the ruby red Lamborghini and took pictures of the 2nd master in the Stanley Family. Carson walked over to the other side of the car and opened the door for his sister. A woman with Elegant emerald evening dress stepped out of the car and hooked her arms with Carson Stanley. The reporters didn't recognize Eris, and they took their chance to ask bunch of questions Eagerly "You're so beautiful miss, are you Mr Carson's girlfriend!? How long have you guys known each other?"

"We have known each other for a long time" Etherel replied Casually, she remembered, 'based on Eris's memory her brother was born on April 4th, she was 3 years older than her brother.' Once again, the same reporter recognizes her…. "M-MISS ERIS GALLEN!!?" when that name was mentioned, everyone widens their eyes in disbelief and had the same thoughts, which is 'is this really Eris the ex-wife of Mr. Maverick Gallen? why is she with Carson from the Stanley Family.'

The commotion outside and the loud Mention of the name Eris has alarmed two people. Maverick and Victoria. Etherel and Carson Entered the Banquet Hall together. All guest's eyes follow the 2nd young master of the Stanley family, and also the woman beside him which some of them recognizes as The Gallen Family's Ex- Daughter- in law.'

Somehow the Banquet Hall became quiet as the Two people entered. Maverick and Victoria subconsciously Held their breath as they saw Eris walk towards their Direction together with the 2nd young Master of the Stanley Family. Maverick's midnight eyes remained on the woman holding arms with some other man. Eris and Carson walked past them and Greet Alex Dwight first. Noah was stunned at the beautiful female companion of the 2nd young master of the Stanley family. Noah returns to his composure and shook hands with Carson "Mr. Carson It's quite rare that you came in social gatherings like this. I am glad that you came." Carson smiled and responded "well my brother Jordan usually comes here since I prefer to spend time with myself. Noah then turned to Eris and smiled brightly "Miss Eris we met again!" Noah noticed the arm Carson wrapped protectively around Eris' waist. Carson looks at Noah, then back at Eris. He asked Eris "you two know each other?" Eris smile and laugh slightly "it's a long story." Etherel suddenly felt thirsty so she informs Carson that she will just be resting on the chair and eat some food for a while since she is hungry. Carson patted Etherel head gently before letting her go.

On the side Maverick was observing the 3 people's interaction and a question keep appearing on his mind 'what is their relationships?' Victoria was surprised to see Eris, she then whispered quietly to Maverick's Ear "what is your Ex-wife doing here? Did you know her relationship with one of the members of the Dwight family and Stanley family??" Etherel kept ignoring the Piercing cold gaze far from her left side. Maverick kept his gaze on the woman I emerald green dress and didn't reply to Victoria's Question. When Victoria noticed his Silence, she figured out that he also had no idea. Seeing Eris haven't approach them yet, an idea come across Victoria's mind. Victoria walked over to Eris while holding arms with Maverick, she looks at her and smile, "Greetings Eris, I am surprised to see you again! I thought there will be no hance for us to encounter again ever since we Last met." Etherel heard the Familiar voice and instantly recognizes Victoria's voice, she turned to Victoria and smile back politely "indeed it is surprising coincidence to meet you again Ms. Parker." Maverick picked up on the idea Victoria was trying to do so he his hand on Victoria's Waist to show it off on purpose. He looked at her and spoke in a calm low voice "Eris…I thought we won't meet Again…. However, we 'coincidentally' met again. Maverick thought 'Isn't she tired of stalking me??? Can't she finally give up?' Etherel sighed and responded "how sad…I can't believe I manage to see you again Mr. Gallen, I was hoping to never encounter you again." Hearing her response, Victoria smile and scoffed "Miss Eris are you saying that none of today's meeting was part of your plan?? I am Eager to know what new tricks are you going to do this time?"

Maverick held Victoria close to him as if she was a rare treasure. He gave Victoria a loving gaze and then look at Eris coldly on purpose. The people around them saw this scene and started to gossip about them. Bunch of people began to whisper; some old man sighed and joined the gossip. He whispered to his friends "Mr. Gallen sure is amazing in having both woman at his side. Although Eris is quite more beautiful it seems that he is choosing Victoria parker Over Eris." One of the lady gossipers replied "I heard a rumor that Mr. Gallen was force to get married by Eris, they said that Victoria and Maverick were the real couple and Eris was just the 3rd party that got in between them."

Etherel never thought that these annoying flies still dares to bother her life while claiming that she was still have attachments to Maverick Gallen. she suddenly laughs which slightly stunned the people around her. Etherel grinned before slowly regains her composure, she calmly spoke "Miss Parker, Mr. maverick Gallen was not the only outstanding man that ever existed in this world. You assumed that I am playing new 'tricks' to gain Mr. Gallen back, right? Well sorry but there seems to be a misunderstanding about Today! I attend this Party to accompany Mr. Stanley since he requested me to attend this Banquet with him, also I am here because I am searching for a friend of mine"

Hearing Eris's words, the people around them started to question in their head about what her relationship is with Carson Stanley.

She smiles and calmly continue to spoke "Miss parker you heard earlier ago from Mr. Gallen that him and I were really not expecting to see each other again. Both us agreed to get divorce peacefully. We both don't owe each other anymore since we repay each other back. So please, instead of assuming that I was tricking Mr. Gallen, you should check your own roots of insecurities about Mr. Gallen. Since 4 years had already passed for i have still failed to Trick Mr. Gallen, then that makes no difference up until now. Which means I no longer bother to take those tricky action in the First place and ended up having no results. Now if you're still bothered that I will successfully Trick Mr. Gallen, then that is Mr. Gallen's job to keep you feel secure in the relationship you both have since if I were really playing tricks, it is his capability if he will get tricked or not. Perhaps there is a possibility your insecurities got Triggered not only by me but some other factors you guys had been going on in your relationship."

"Building trust in a relationship is important. Without trust, the relationships will encounter a lot of trouble and may affect everything around them.

After Etherel spoke she turned around and left the Scene.

The people around them surprised by Eris's words. A young gossiper woman whispered "Eris isn't playing tricks anymore?? She got divorce to Mr., Gallen peacefully!? That is unbelievable"

the other ladies nod their head and spoke in an agreement "what Miss Eris said seems true because Mr. Gallen was indeed hard to trick. Remember a lot of ladies tried to trick him?? Yet all of them ended up having a tragic ending?" :

"Miss parker seems to not know Mr. Gallen that well which maybe why she assumed that Eris's trick will succeed?? Her and Mr. Gallen have already Divorced!! Plus, Eris has only a poor background, with that I don't see any hope of Eris have the power to trick Mr. Gallen again ." people continued to Gossip.

Maverick and Vitoria stood in the same place. Victoria whispered quietly "Maverick, I think Eris was serious this time. Maybe she really gave up??" Maverick frowned slightly as he thinks about Eris' words and manner earlier. Based on his observation Eris's expression Earlier showed calmness which strangely make him uncomfortable once again.

Maverick thought, 'The words she spoke sound like she is giving advice about me and Victoria? Without trust the relationships will have problems? Hah! Good Eris!!! I will wait for your Tricks in the future and see if I fall for them!!!" Maverick refused to believe that Eris has let of him ad finally move on since just 4 days ago they got divorced. Maverick let go of Victoria and walked outside to smoke.

Meanwhile Eris continues eating her food in another spot in the Banquet.

She suddenly felt something clinging tightly onto her legs, she quickly looks down and saw the little prince. Izan smiled cheerfully and kept hugging her legs tightly as if he was refusing the chance to let go of Eris in case if she was just apart of his imagination, he won't let her fade away. Etherel smiled warmly and picked up the little cute kid and gently give him a soft kiss on his Chubby cheek. When izan Felt her soft kiss, he felt overjoyed and hugs her Tightly : "PRETTY SISTER! YOU ARE ACUTALLY HERE!! UNCLE NOAH WAN'T LYING WHEN HE TOLD ME YOU WERE HERE!!! Ms. ERIS, I MISSED SPENDING TIME WITH YOU!"

Etherel's heart softened and her mood turn better than earlier ago when she was talking to the annoying flies.

She strokes his soft golden hair dotingly : "how have you been my little prince?? Have you finished your homework the last time we met?"

Izan smiled and spoke cutely in his tiny voice "mhm!! I have passed all my homework to my teachers and I got high scores!!" :

Etherel felt proud for her little prince after she heard that he passed. She kissed his chubby soft cheek once again and smiled proudly : "keep trying your best so that you will grow up." Izan blushed shyly at the soft Eris gave him again, he then returned the kiss to her cheek then spoke shyly : "I-I promise you Miss Eris! When I grow up, I will stay by your side and do everything I can to give you everything you want!!"

The atmosphere between the woman and the child was so peaceful and sweet that it was noticed by Christopher Dwight. He stared at the beautiful woman dressed in Emerald evening dress, the way she moves and each smile she gave made Christopher hard to forget her. A rare soft smile appears in his face while watching Eris and his son. Somehow Christopher thought that he should be a part of that warm sweet atmosphere shared by his son and Eris.

Christopher walked over to them and smile "Miss Eris we met again; would you like to take a walk in the garden with me?"

Etherel heard a deep alluring voice from her right side and saw Christopher. He was wearing a Navy Blue suit which fit his tall figure. His hazel eyes are similar to a honey. he had a rich Ebony hair which matches his pale skin. Etherel noticed how sharp his features are, as if he was carved by gods perfectly . Etherel nodded and smile politely, "well since I just finished eating dinner then ill gladly accept your offer Mr. Dwight since I do need to take a walk."

Etherel follow Christopher to the Garden. When the three of them arrive in the Garden, Eris was amazed at beautiful garden. She found it Extremely familiar, she thought

'isn't this the garden I visit the First time I shifted!? Why is it here!?" Etherel was stunned as she saw the familiar rose and vines in the Garden.

Izan shook her hand excitedly and point towards the fireflies and butterflies in the Garden.

"Ms. Eris look! There are pretty small blue butterflies and some few fireflies! This where daddy always took me each time, I have struggled to sleep due to a nightmare. The garden is my comfort spot! Since fireflies and pretty butterflies came!!"

Christopher watched Eris's Expression carefully, he saw a trace of surprise and amazement as she looked around the garden. Christopher found himself starring at her for a long time, to the point he cannot hear what words his son was saying. Izan frowned and pinch his father's hand "dad!!! Are you deaf or did you lack sleep?

Father Pretty lady's brother is looking for her. She needs to go home now." Christopher snapped out of his daze as he felt his son pinched the skin of his hand. Seeing their interaction made Etherel smile and sigh helplessly.

Christopher saw a glimpse of Eris's smile at him which made him feel a feather tickles his heart , his ears slightly turned red. He cleared his throat to calm himself down and spoke calmly : "Since Ms. Eris is needing to leave now then…. I will send you out."

Izan frowned and crosses his arms "dad!! Why don't we send Pretty lady out!"

Christopher turned to look at his son and smile mischievously, he pinched his son's cute chubby cheek and spoke softly : "because you have a test coming up tomorrow. You have exhausted your body for playing outside earlier. I will be sending Ms. Eris out since you can't because you need to rest early today." Christopher lowered his head and whisper into his son's ear "you won't be able to send Pretty Lady out for pinching hardly me earlier. Ill be the one getting to spend time with Ms. Eris now, that is your punishment for pinching me earlier."

Izan gasp slightly, "dad don't tell me you plan to steal Pretty lady from me!!" Christopher ignored his son and asked the butler to carry izan into his bedroom for sleep.

Izan squirm as he was carried away by the butler : "noooo!! Dad! Don't steal Pretty lady from me" Izan whined as he got token away by the butler for his bedtime.

Christopher looks at Eris that seems to have a puzzled expression, then he chuckled lightly and reply "My son seems to like you very much, don't mind his words." Etherel giggled slightly and smile "your son was very cute!! I am sure he will be popular once he grows up." Christopher and Etherel smiled together as they both talked about Izan on their way out of the Dwight family's Garden. When Etherel went back to her brother, they bid farewell to the Dwight family before going back home. Etherel went back inside the ruby red Lamborghini then droves away with Carson.

Not far from the back, Maverick Gallen watched the car disappear out of his sight. his head was hurting after thinking all big things that happened today. Thinking of how Carson has his arms on her waist while talking with Noah, made him very irritated, then it got more worse after he saw her getting the car with Carson and drove somewhere he has no idea of. He remembered her reaction today when he was right in front of her while acting loving to Victoria. Eris's reaction today has shocked him to the core. She was calm and composed. She even looked and spoke to him as if he was a stranger.

Thinking about all this made Maverick think back the past 4 years he has ever been with Eris. She always greets him with a loving smile, her eyes love struck. Maverick always views her as a two-faced delusional woman. Each action she claimed that is her 'love' towards him, makes him feel disgusted and annoyed towards her. Earlier ago he expected her to finally drop the act of playing hard to get. Yet at the end of the banquet, she never even bothered to look for him.

Maverick was just outside the Dwight family's villa; his car was parked behind Carson's Lamborghini before they left . He clenches his fists tightly inside his pockets as he thought

'I was near her… why did that woman never came to look for me?'

Maverick thoughts got interrupted as Victoria opened the door handle and went inside the car. Maverick glances at her and slightly felt annoyed by her presence. Victoria looks at him and smile cheerfully "congratulations on getting Divorced by the way! I forgot the congratulate you 4 days ago, I am sorry for that."

Maverick felt more annoyed and asked her directly, "do you think Eris finally let go of me??"

Victoria shook her head and smile happily "I think she did finally let you go!! I mean If you think about it, you guys never really had a good marriage life together. I have seen a lot of women chasing over some guys who didn't want them. Especially those women who are playing hard to get?? They can't hide their lovesick eyes even when they tried using reverse psychology. However, Etherel's gaze tell me the opposite. She did not act 'calm 'because she really was calm, and her gaze earlier was not those lovesick eyes she had in the past. Her expression remains the same after we act intimately earlier, and then she even gives an advice about building strong trust in relationships to us."

Hearing that Maverick suddenly felt gloomy…he thought 'she finally let go...i guess that is good news?" Maverick Glanced and the rainy weather outside. He slowly felt his energy being drained.