Chapter Twenty-Three

Drying his tears—as mentioned earlier, refer back if unclear—the office remained shrouded in violet hues. Behind the desk sat a slender young man, still as before, his beguiling dimples deep as ever. Pale fingers spun ceaselessly, purple light swirling until, suddenly, they stilled. Resting quietly in his palm was—a violet brooch.

In the lingering glow of sunset, the garden’s violets seemed gilded, shimmering with golden light. A tall, solitary figure moved among the blossoms, silently trimming them.

“Arthur, you’ve finally returned!” A voice, brimming with disbelief and joy, shattered the calm. Blonde hair fluttered; eyes fixed on the doorway, where a woman in a green dress stood. Her lips curled into a smile, arms opening wide. In that instant, her face bloomed with a brilliance that rivaled the sun. She dashed through the flowers toward the one she’d longed for day and night, abandoning all feminine restraint and proper etiquette to embrace the person to whom she wished to entrust her life.

“I missed you so much.” Her voice was soft, a lover’s tender whisper.

Arthur gently embraced the woman who had rushed into his arms, soothing her thin back with light pats. His voice was gentle too, “I’ve come back, haven’t I?” He lifted her face, nestled against his chest. Her emerald eyes brimmed with tears—joyful, yet aggrieved; her lips quivered. “You always forget me so easily,” she murmured, her voice even more plaintive as tears streaked her cheeks. Arthur’s thumb brushed away the moisture, his smile warm. “How could I? I’ve returned, haven’t I?”

“But you left for years, never contacting me.” You always chased after her shadow; your gaze held nothing but her.

“I didn’t want you to worry. You know my work causes concern.” He smiled with helplessness, patiently explaining.

Yes, if not for her, how could you return to such dangerous work?

Emerald eyes flickered with sadness and hatred, but her smile shone anew.

“That’s more like it.” She lifted her chin, pressed a kiss to Arthur’s lips. “Come, I’ve prepared dinner for you.” With those words, her small hand grasped his, fingers brushing what was once smooth and delicate, now roughened by calluses. Her gaze dimmed, a pang in her heart—it was all because of her, all of it. Her hand tightened, resolve flashing in her eyes. This time, it was her turn to protect him.

The flickering red candlelight danced in the breeze, shadows shifting, and the expressions of those at the table faded into obscurity. Metallic hair shimmered under the night sky, lips curving in a subtle arc.

Opposite, emerald eyes glowed with a love so intense it could not be ignored. Delicate fingers raised a wine glass with elegance, endless joy on her lips. “Arthur, welcome home.”

“Cheers!” The clear clink echoed beneath the stars. Arthur brought the glass to his lips; crimson liquid slid past rose-colored lips, while the woman across watched, entranced.

“Maria, I’ve returned because I need your help.” He hadn’t finished before she interrupted eagerly, “No problem!”

Arthur started, then chuckled. “You don’t even ask what I need before agreeing?”

Her emerald eyes shone with conviction. “If it’s for you, I’ll do everything in my power.”

Arthur was taken aback, gazing at Maria across the table. The night breeze brushed past them, golden hair swept across his lashes. He returned to himself, smiling lightly. “Fool, you speak as if you’re off to make some heroic sacrifice,” his tone playful.

Maria masked the sorrow deep in her eyes, stepped gracefully to him, and knelt gently before Arthur. She took his hand solemnly, her voice earnest. “Arthur, I mean it. For you, I’d pay any price.”

Arthur regarded her with profound meaning, his lips curling with a coldness even he didn’t notice. “Alright, I understand.” He patted her head lightly, looked toward the table. “Eat, now,” he said, no longer meeting her gaze. “It’s all gone cold.”

Maria rose and returned to her seat, her eyes full of hurt. Yet the man she loved with her whole life never let his gaze linger on her again, and thus missed the flash of malice in those emerald eyes.