12

Chapter Twelve

But there was one person Arwa knew she needed to understand more deeply: Inas, Elias's wife, who always seemed composed and rational. While Arwa felt comfortable around everyone, Inas remained a mystery in her heart.

When Inas entered the room, she was wearing a simple yet elegant rose-colored dress. The fabric was light, draping gracefully around her tall frame, with delicate embroidery adorning the cuffs and neckline. Her brown hair, falling naturally over her shoulders, accentuated the beauty of her green eyes, which held a deep wisdom within them.

"How are you feeling today, Arwa?" Inas asked with a gentle smile.

Arwa glanced at the simple yet undeniably luxurious clothes Inas wore and replied, "I'm feeling better, thank you."

At that moment, Arwa looked almost angelic, with her pearl-white hair cascading down her back and her silver-blue eyes that seemed to transport anyone to another world. Her attire was simple, yet it carried a quiet charm. She wore a shimmering light blue dress, with intricate details along its hem and sleeves, cinched at the waist with a delicate belt. The dress exuded an air of graceful elegance, with subtle touches of white that highlighted the purity of her features.

"And how are you?" Arwa asked curiously, sensing something mysterious in Inas's eyes—something hidden beneath her serene expression.

Inas hesitated slightly before answering, "I'm fine… but things haven't always been this way." The smile faded from her lips, and a trace of tension returned to her gaze.

"Would you be willing to tell me?" Arwa asked cautiously, feeling that there was a painful story behind those words.

At that moment, Inas leaned against the nearby chair and took a deep breath. "I was married before. I married at a young age, but unfortunately, that relationship ended in divorce after years of struggles and challenges."

Arwa, now feeling comfortable with Inas, sat beside her and said quietly, "And now you're married to Elias. How did that happen?"

Inas smiled, her eyes concealing many memories. "Elias came into my life at a time when I least expected it. After the divorce, I was searching for inner peace. Then Elias arrived—strong enough to help me stand again. I came to this manor as a new person, and I believe he did the same."

Arwa reflected on Inas's words for a long moment before saying with a soft smile, "You're strong, Inas. I don't know if I could be as strong as you."

But as their conversation continued, something unexpected happened. A small misunderstanding arose when Inas offered to help Arwa take care of herself. However, Arwa misinterpreted the offer, thinking Inas believed she needed rest and nothing more. She rejected the offer firmly. "I don't want to be a burden to you, Inas. I can take care of myself."

Inas, momentarily surprised by the refusal, felt a hint of embarrassment. She had only intended to help, but Arwa had understood it differently and took a step back.

After a brief silence, Arwa spoke in a quieter voice, "I know you were only trying to help. It's just that… I don't like feeling like a burden."

Inas smiled gently, then took Arwa's hand and said, "You are not a burden, Arwa. I think I understand the misunderstanding now. We're all in this together, and we're here for you."

With a soft smile, the tension between them eased, and Arwa felt a wave of relief—she wasn't alone. Their bond had started subtly, but it was the beginning of a true friendship.

In this grand manor, the White Swan Manor, the ancestral home of the Valeska family for generations, everything was changing. Elias and Arwa were rebuilding their lives, knowing each day that nothing could stand in the way of a united family. And amidst this transformation, the manor, with its regal details and tranquil hues, reflected how life could change—but what truly mattered was having someone by your side to give you strength and help you endure.

And in the midst of this shift, Arwa and Inas found themselves growing closer. A true friendship was beginning to blossom between them, despite the challenges each had faced.

The Royal Tea Party

In the White Swan Manor, where heritage and elegance lingered behind every wall, the ladies gathered in one of the gilded tea salons. Sunlight danced upon the intricately designed porcelain teacups, while the gentle spring breeze slipped through the wide windows, overlooking vast gardens bursting with vibrant colors.

Lady Eleanora, the wife of Duke Othman Valeska, was the esteemed hostess of this refined gathering. She sat gracefully at the head of the table, adorned in an ivory silk gown embroidered with delicate golden threads. Her silver-gray hair was styled in a classic updo, giving her an aura of dignified majesty.

To her right sat Inas, Elias's wife, clad in an elegant lavender dress, while beside her was Arwa, who looked almost ethereal with her snow-white hair and simple blue gown, resembling a figure out of a fairytale.

The children, Sylvester and Silter, were playing on the nearby terrace under the watchful eyes of the manor's maids, while the ladies engaged in conversation about family and society.

"Inas, you are still somewhat new to the traditions of this manor. How do you find life among us?" asked Lady Eleanora, sipping her tea gracefully.

Inas smiled softly and said, "Life here… is different from what I was used to, but it's warmer than I expected."

Lady Eleanora chuckled lightly and said, "Warmth? Then you have yet to see the Duke's strictness!"

Arwa joined in the conversation with a playful smirk. "Mother, don't ruin Inas's impressions of my father. She still has beautiful illusions about him!"

The ladies laughed, while Inas raised an amused eyebrow and replied teasingly, "Don't worry, Arwa. I believe I've seen enough to judge for myself."

One of the noblewomen, a guest at the gathering, leaned in with curiosity and said, "Inas, I heard that you were previously married. How did you end up here?"

A brief silence filled the room before Inas smiled politely and replied, "Sometimes, you believe your life has already been mapped out… then someone comes along and redraws the entire course of your fate."

She cast a meaningful glance at Arwa, who nodded slightly in response.

But before the conversation could shift, a maid approached and whispered something into Lady Eleanora's ear. The duchess raised an eyebrow in surprise before announcing, "Well, it seems we have an unexpected visitor."

At that moment, the doors to the salon opened, revealing Kyle Strathmore.

He stood at the entrance with confidence, wearing a long charcoal-colored coat. His light blonde hair was slightly tousled by the wind.

But the surprise wasn't in his arrival—it was in the way Inas's expression froze. The teacup in her hand trembled slightly before she quietly placed it back on the table.

Kyle's gaze locked onto Inas, as if time itself had stopped between them.

"I didn't expect to meet you here," he said, his deep voice carrying the weight of old memories.

Arwa, noticing the shift in Inas's demeanor, looked from Kyle to Inas, as if trying to decipher the tense moment between them.

Inas inhaled deeply before speaking in a quiet voice, "Kyle… I didn't expect to see you again."

The room fell into a stunned silence. This wasn't just a chance encounter—it felt like an unresolved past colliding with an uncertain present.

Lady Eleanora, ever poised, stepped in with a diplomatic tone to break the tension. "Kyle, welcome to White Swan Manor. Have you come for Arwa?"

Kyle didn't take his eyes off Inas, but he answered calmly, "Actually, I came to ask about her." He hesitated briefly before adding, "Though, truthfully, I was just passing through. My father asked me to bring her along—he wants to see her."

Yet, his wounded gaze spoke a different story. It was as if he were silently asking his former love, Why did you do this to me?

Arwa stiffened slightly, realizing that this story wasn't over yet—that there were chapters left unread.

As for Inas, she closed her eyes for a fleeting moment, as if trying to absorb the weight of this moment.

And in that instant, Arwa understood—this wasn't a coincidence.

This was a turning point. A moment that would change everything.