The Path.

As I strolled towards the wrought iron gate that led into the expansive garden of our villa, uncertainty tugged at my thoughts. Lance had been adamant about not trespassing through that gate, his reasons known only to him. Yet, a compelling curiosity pulled me toward it, the allure of the forbidden beckoning like a whispered secret.Pausing at the gate, I gazed back at the grandeur of our home, its walls steeped in history and secrets of their own. The family portrait hanging in the foyer flashed in my mind, a moment frozen in time. The image of a young girl clutching a single red rose captured my attention once more. It wasn't just any rose; its crimson petals seemed to hold a story untold, a beauty unmatched by the garden's usual blooms.Driven by a sudden urge to unravel this mystery, I retraced my steps to the portrait. Leaning closer, I scrutinized every detail, every nuance of the scene. It was then that I noticed a subtle engraving at the corner of the frame, barely visible yet undeniably present—a cryptic symbol intertwined with delicate vines.Heart racing with newfound purpose, I darted back to the garden, determination overriding caution. The evening air was tinged with anticipation as I ventured deeper into the lush greenery, my senses attuned to the faintest whisper of the unknown.Hours passed in a blur of searching, the moon casting ethereal light on my quest. But the elusive roses, like elusive dreams, remained just beyond reach. Frustration mingled with fascination, fueling my resolve to uncover their secrets.As I reached for my phone, intent on seeking Lance's guidance, a chill crept down my spine. His number went unanswered, the silence echoing my unanswered questions. Turning to Kevin, a trusted confidant in times of uncertainty, I sought answers that seemed to slip through my grasp like fleeting shadows."Where is Lance?" My voice carried a mixture of urgency and unease, skipping formalities in my urgency."Kiera, Lance left for a business trip last night," Kevin's voice held a note of surprise. "Didn't he inform you?"The revelation hit me like a thunderbolt, mingling with the growing sense of unease. "No, he didn't mention a trip," I replied, gratitude and apprehension warring within me. "Thank you, Kevin. I'll be in touch."Alone in the dimly lit garden, questions swirled in my mind like restless spirits. Lance's sudden absence, the enigmatic roses in the portrait, and now this unexpected journey—all threads weaving a tapestry of uncertainty and intrigue. What lay ahead was a mystery waiting to unfold, one that would test not just my curiosity but also the depths of my courage and convictions.As I returned to the garden, my mind buzzed with questions, urging me to explore further. It was then that I noticed two towering walls at the garden's edge, their imposing presence hinting at secrets beyond.My Mind: What lies at the end of this hidden path?Driven by curiosity, I ventured along the faint trail, evidence of long neglect whispering tales of abandonment. Pausing momentarily, I pondered Lance's reluctance to reveal this part of his estate, a surge of determination propelling me forward.The path twisted and turned, shrouded in overgrowth, a testament to its solitude. With each step, anticipation mingled with apprehension, heightening my senses to the unknown.At last, I reached a wrought-iron gate, its ancient lock defiant against prying eyes. Undeterred, I searched for a solution, my gaze falling upon a weathered stone nearby. With a determined grip, I shattered the rusted lock, the sound echoing through the stillness.The gate creaked open, revealing a hidden realm cloaked in shadows. What awaited me behind this barrier, concealed from the world for so long, stirred a mix of excitement and trepidation. Stepping through, I entered a world forgotten by time, ready to uncover the mysteries that lay within._ROSE_...