Eloquen silently slipped away from the pond while the others remained engrossed in the scene unfolding within Mirathrend’s Mirror. The magical pond seemed to favor the girls’ perspective, depicting their discussion over the events after school.
The poignant image of Adeline O’Cean and Kaylynn Deverell’s departure with Eric Landin lingered in his mind. Eloquen had seen enough – a wave of discontent swept over his normally stoic demeaner. The boy had bared his soul for all to see, and yet, here they are, weighing his worth. Did they not grasp the depth of his feelings? Could they not see the courage needed for his confession? Eloquen was sure Eric was truly special – a Landin that will exceed all other Landins.
Frustrated with how the girls measured Eric, Eloquen eagerly retreated to his abode where he could oversee the Landin family’s affairs without the incessant chatter of the onlookers.
‘What will you do next?’ he mused, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. The young Landin boy had always been a source of amusement, his unpredictable intriguing the God who had watched the family for generations. Today’s revelation at the pond had taken Eloquen by surprise. Although aware of Eric’s affection for the O’Cean heiress, he hadn’t anticipated such a pivotal moment would be witnessed by all. With the thoughts of Eric’s recent endeavors to win his crush’s heart, Eloquen hastened his step, eager to resume his covert observations from the comfort of his home.
He swept through the grand marble foyer, his robes whispering against the cold stone, as he hastened toward the secluded courtyard. There, a grand fountain with intricately carved details stood, its cascading water awaited as if flowing just for him. With a mere wave of his hand, the water transformed into a reflective surface.
“Show me Eric Landin,” he commanded. The water shimmered, revealing Eric’s blue eyes in the rearview mirror of his vehicle. A contented smile graced Eloquen’s features as he settled into his chaise, a bowl of fresh fruit materializing before him. The watery mirror expanded its view, showing Eric driving away from Adeline’s residence. Satisfied, Eloquen leaned back to enjoy the scene from Eric’s point of view.
Eric drove along the familiar roads leading to the panoramic seaside of the city. His family estate, surrounded by the ocean and minutes from the port they controlled, loomed in the distance. Navigating through the grand gates, he headed to the west wing. The array of parked vehicles indicated his brothers’ presence. Preferring solitude, Eric parked his SUV closest to his room, and opted for a discreet entrance through his balcony. He needed time to think and plan his next move.
In the sanctuary of his room, Eric collapsed onto his bed, his mind replaying the day’s events. Adeline’s reaction - or lack thereof - to his confession haunted him. Had he misread the situation? She offered no positive response, and while he hadn’t expected one, he yearned for a glimpse into her mind, and heart.
For as long as he could remember, Adeline had been the object of his admiration. Their families’ intertwined histories only deepened his regard for her. More than the next O’Cean heiress, Adeline was intelligent, diligent, and stunningly beautiful. In her element, she exuded wit, humor, and creativity – qualities Eric cherished in their conversations. He was determined to reveal his true feelings, to elevate their connection beyond mere friendship.
His brothers’ ambitions, however, threatened to complicate matters. Intent on forging alliances with the O’Ceans, they risked harming Adeline in their pursuit. Eric’s resolve hardened as he recalled Adeline’s perplexed expression during their drive to her home. After overhearing his brothers’ scheming, Eric’s desperation to convey his emotions and protect Adeline drove him to act despite the complexity of the situation he now faced.
Unable to decipher their plans and confront them as the youngest Landin son, Eric decided to take matters into his own hands. Rising abruptly, he rifled through his desk, retrieving a document – a contract for the exclusive rights to distribute rare rose bulbs to Golden Rivers for cultivation and resale. This venture, months in the making, was a strategic move to secure the Deverell’s partnership – specifically Kaylynn, who could be an ally in furthering his relationship with Adeline. He had hoped to use this after graduation, but time was of the essence. He couldn’t let this chance slip away.
With the agreement safely stowed, Eric donned attire suitable for labor, preparing himself for the task ahead. A quick glance in the mirror, and he was out the window, crossing the lawn to his vehicle. Setbacks were mere hurdles; winning Adeline’s heart was a challenge he willingly embraced.
His destination was just past the Golden Rivers Mall to a greenhouse situated in the south, where an open courtyard and park stood. This newly installed greenhouse was the centerpiece of the park - a gift from Adeline to Kaylynn - a sanctuary for rare flora, a testament to the girls’ friendship. Eric’s role in its construction had granted him insight into Kaylynn’s aspirations, furthering his plans.
He found a spot closest to the park. Approaching the glass structure, Eric spotted a familiar figure within. As he neared, the doors swung open, revealing Kaylynn Deverell.
“So, what brings you here, Eric Landin?” she inquired, leaning against the doorframe, a large gardening apron over her clothes.
Eric approached Kaylynn; he towered over her at six foot nine inches. “Can we talk?” he asked, his voice holding a tremor of urgency over the sound of music coming from behind her.
Kaylynn’s suspicious gaze shadowed her features as she reluctantly made room for him to pass. As Eric stepped inside, he smiled, grateful to be allowed back into her private glass dome. The sound of soft piano music filled his ears, and the smell of dirt mixed with a variety of floral scents greeted him as he walked along the path to a small table surrounded by unplanted flower bulbs.
“Wow, it’s been just over a year, and look at all you’ve done! It was just a shell when you got it,” Eric said, starting the conversation light and friendly. Taking a seat at the table, he urged Kaylynn to do the same. “It’s beautiful!”
Turning away, Kaylynn hid her curved lips from Eric as she turned down the music on the sound system. “I know you aren’t here to see my garden. What do you want, Eric?” She turned back to face him, placing her hands sternly on her hips.
“Alright, right to business…” Eric replied, his smile faltering as he pulled out the folder with the documents and placed them gently on the garden table. “Please have a seat…” He nodded toward the seat across from him.
Kaylynn looked at the folder sitting neatly in front of Eric. Curiosity took over, and with a resigned sigh, she plopped down on the chair. “Okay, I’m all ears. What do you have to say?”
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Although he was in casual clothing, Eric sat across from her like a professional. His athletic build was strong, poised, and confident as he leaned forward and slid the documents from the heavy-duty folder. “I have a business proposition for you,” he began.
Eyebrows arched in curiosity, Kaylynn looked down at the high-quality papers now sitting in front of her. “What is this?” She rubbed her dirt-covered hands over her apron, suddenly aware of how dirty she must be against the crisp, clean papers.
“It’s a project I’ve been working on to give you rights to cultivate and sell these rare flowers.” Eric flipped to the second page. “Here is the list of flowers that my uncle’s company will transport into Golden Rivers. I have already cleared it with his company and the US branch that sells these bulbs. We can start once we provide them with the lead gardener’s name – yours - and the garden’s address – here.”
Speechless, Kaylynn leaned forward and carefully flipped through the pages, her hands shaking with excitement. “Why?” she uttered as she continued to read.
“Because… I need your help. I’m hoping this partnership will help you pursue your dreams, but more than that, I hope we can work together to protect what’s dear to both of us.”
“What do you mean?” Kaylynn asked, taken aback by his proposal. “What do you want to protect? And how can I help?”
“Addy.” Kaylynn’s gaze shot up at the mention of her best friend.
“Addy? What do you mean?”
Eric met her gaze but leaned back into his chair. “Look, I can’t go into the details, but my brothers are planning something. I’m afraid their plans could hurt Addy.”
“What are you talking about, Eric? Why would your brothers hurt Addy? Our families have been intertwined for generations since the founding of this country! Why would they do anything to compromise the peace between our families?” Perplexed, Kaylynn organized the document and turned it back to Eric. “I don’t understand what you are alluding to, but we will protect Addy no matter what. You don’t need to worry about her.”
Eric slid the documents back to Kaylynn. “Yes, we will.”
“You aren’t the only one who cares about Addy. My family loves her. Garrett would never let anyone hurt her. We are fully capable of protecting her, with or without you!” Kaylynn snapped back, her face turning red with anger.
Eric ignored her comment and continued. “If you accept this partnership, I can help you get all the bulbs you need, get you in to learn how to breed flowers from the experts, and with that knowledge, you can confidently start that flower shop you’ve dreamed of. By graduation, our families could be joined by this agreement. Together, we’ll be able to accomplish anything. We’ll be stronger, better able to work together to protect those we love.”
Kaylynn’s eyes widened, reflecting a storm of thoughts as she processed Eric’s words. “You’ve certainly caught me off guard,” she said, her voice tinged with intrigue. “Tell me more about this partnership. How does all this,” she pointed to the document “protect Addy? What does she need protection from? In this city, no one would dare mess with our families.”
“You’re right, the peace between the founding families will not be in jeopardy, but that peace doesn’t protect our hearts, does it?” Eric’s lips twitched upwards as he noticed Kaylynn’s clenched fists and slightly dilated pupils. He could tell his words resonated with her. “I know Adeline is like your own sister. You would do anything to protect her. So, don’t you want to protect her feelings?”
“Eric… I know how you feel about Addy. It’s not new to me, but you had to announce it to the whole school today! Why? Why couldn’t you let things stay the way they were?” She sighed, shaking her head as she recalled Adeline’s conflicted frown on their way home. “You know, you got to Addy. You shook her up, made her question her life! As far as I can tell, you are the one most likely to hurt her!” Kaylynn exclaimed, standing up and pushing the documents from her. “I won’t let you bribe me, Eric Landin. Adeline is worth more than anything you can offer me.”
Eric watched as Kaylynn stepped away from him to her flowers. She took a deep breath, the familiar scent of the surrounding flowers appeared to be calming her. Eric collected the document and put it neatly into its folder. He stood up, stretched, and continued to speak, his words were clear, full of strength and conviction. “Kaylynn, we both know Addy best. We’ve grown up together and I know we both want to protect her. I’m sure you know better than me the constant pressure she feels. If we joined hands, our partnership could keep others out. Wouldn’t that make it easier for all of us to protect one another? I want to see you both happy. Just like with this contract, I can help Addy grow too. Help her find her path in life - free from the pressures of being the O’Cean heir.”
“It’s not that easy…” Kaylynn muttered under her breath. Turning towards Eric, she returned to the table where the document still stood in its deep blue linen folder. “I don’t know why you are rushing ahead like this…” Eric returned to his seat and sat down, waiting patiently for her to continue. “But it’s like something A said to me. I can’t shake the feeling that you may be onto something. I will look over this document with my family. If it looks good, I will consider partnering with you on this, but don’t get me wrong, Eric. This is business. This will have no connection with Addy whatsoever. It is a separate matter whether I will help you with her or not. Are we clear?”
“Yes, Ma’am!” Eric did a straight-back salute in his seat, causing Kaylynn to smile.
“Okay, Eric. That’s enough serious talk. Honestly, I’m exhausted.” Kaylynn grabbed the sturdy folder, tucking it into her large apron pocket. “Let’s talk again another day. It’s Friday and I just want to relax. Now, go…” She reached out to the back of Eric’s chair and tried shaking him from his seat. “I already plan to bring Addy to your campfire party tonight. You can try then to talk to her again. I won’t get in your way.”
Eric grinned, satisfied with the direction the conversation took. “Okay. Thanks Kay! I owe you one!” He stood up and looked around. “Can I give you a hand around here?”
Kaylynn pushed Eric’s broad back towards the door. “No! This is my space. I don’t want you or anyone else interfering with my work here.” Eric laughed, resisting Kaylynn, and turned towards her when they reached the door.
“Are you sure? I came prepared to do some hard physical labor. You can take it as my apology to you after everything I caused today after school. Maybe let me earn some bonus points?” Kaylynn shoved him playfully.
“Just go!” she exclaimed, exhausted from having to use such strength against such a tall guy.
“Thank you, Kay. Regardless of Addy’s choices, my offer stands. I’m here, not just for the partnership, but to support you both, always.” He stepped out of the greenhouse and turned as Kaylynn started to shut the door. “See you later!” he called back.
Kaylynn didn’t bother to respond; she just turned with a half wave, locking the door behind her. As Eric walked away, he could hear the piano music blaring once again through the enclosed dome structure. With a lighter heart than when he arrived, he jogged to his SUV and drove to the site of his campfire party. If Adeline was going to attend, he had to make sure everything was perfect. He needed to make sure all the guests would be well occupied, so he could take Adeline somewhere where they could talk privately. There would be a lot of eyes and ears nearby. After the spectacle he created in school, he wasn’t about to put her in the spotlight again. It was even more important that he had everything organized and set up well. This wasn’t his first time doing this; he would do everything to make sure there were no stragglers lurking around looking for drinks or something to do.
This party spot in the woods had been the pride of his basketball team. It became their regular hangout spot, and these woods became his playground. He knew the trails like the back of his hand. Picking up his cell phone, he called his friends; they would need to prepare a lot of things to make sure it was another amazing party. His friends had always been supportive of him, and Eric was certain that their help would make this night memorable for Adeline.
Parking his SUV on the outskirts of the woods, he set out to find a secluded spot where he could take Adeline. He needed the second chance that Kaylynn promised him, to talk with Adeline and explain everything. There were too many eyes at the party, and he didn’t want that pressure to sway her. Determined, Eric marched through the woods, ready to make it all up to Adeline.