The Secret

The next morning, Blue called Julie, excitement and nervousness laced in her voice.

"THORNDIKE wants me to meet his parents today."

Julie gasped. "That's amazing! His parents will love you. Especially Lady Lily—she's the kindest woman you'll ever meet."

"I hope so," Blue murmured.

But as she hung up, a shadow crossed her face.

As she was getting ready, her mother, Lady

Sisi, walked into her room.

"Where are you going all dressed up?" she

asked, her tone sharp.

Blue forced a smile. "Just visiting Julie and

her husband."

Lady Sisi's eyes narrowed. "I hope you're not

doing anything foolish. If you are, I will send you back to Paris, and you will never return."

Blue swallowed hard. "No, Mother. I wouldn't

dare."

Lady Sisi sighed. "Your father will be back in

town this weekend. Prepare yourself."

At those words, fear gripped Blue's heart.

"He's coming back?"

"Yes. And I don't want any nonsense from you."

Blue lowered her gaze, fighting the anxiety

creeping up her spine. "I understand, Mother."

She left quickly, not wanting to answer any

more questions.

THORNDIKE was already waiting when she arrived. The moment she stepped toward him, his breath caught.

"You always take my breath away," he murmured.

Blue smiled, though her heart was still racing

from the conversation with her mother.

As he drove her to his family's estate, she

gazed out the window, lost in thought. When they arrived, she gasped.

"This place is beautiful," she whispered.

THORNDIKE chuckled. "Wait till you see the

inside."

The house was grand yet welcoming, with lush gardens, vibrant flowers, and a warmth that felt like home.

Inside, Mr. EddieDike sat at the dining table,

reading the latest Wall Street Journal.

"Father, Mother—we're here," THORNDIKE

announced.

Mr. EddieDike looked up, his sharp gaze landing on Blue.

"So, this is the young woman who has stolen my son's heart," he said with a small smile.

Blue stepped forward and curtsied slightly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. THORNDIKE has told me so much about you."

Lady Lily entered, carrying a tray of food.

"And I've made something special for you, dear," she said warmly.

Blue sat with them, feeling at ease as she

enjoyed the meal.

"This is delicious," she said, savoring the flavors.

"My wife is the best cook in Chuchu Town," Mr. EddieDike said proudly.

Then his gaze turned more serious. "Blue, THORNDIKE mentioned you're from Paris. Who are your parents?"

Blue tensed slightly. "I grew up in Paris, but

I was born here. My mother's name is Lady Sisi."

Mr. EddieDike's expression flickered with

something unreadable. "And your father?"

Blue hesitated. "I… I don't know much about

him."

Lady Lily quickly changed the subject. "Enough questions for now. THORNDIKE, show her around."

As they walked through the estate, Blue let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

"What's wrong?" THORNDIKE asked, watching her carefully.

"Nothing," she lied.

But Mr. EddieDike wasn't convinced. As Blue and THORNDIKE walked away, he turned to Lady Lily.

"There's something she's not telling us."

Lady Lily frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I don't know yet," he said. "But I intend to

find out."