Chapitre 18: Breaking The Ice, Step By Step V

Leone glanced at her briefly, his expression unreadable. "You heard me. Sit." His tone was firm, but there was a softness hidden beneath it that Evelina hadn't expected.

" Before I change my mind," Leone added, his tone firm but lacking its usual sharpness.

Evelina's face reddened as her thoughts swirled. I thought he'd dismiss me or say something harsh… but he didn't. A small smile tugged at her lips as she lowered herself onto the grass, keeping a respectful distance. She set her notebook aside, her movements careful, not wanting to disturb the fragile moment.

The two sat in silence, the soft rustling of leaves and the gentle ripples of the pond filling the space between them. Evelina stole glances at him now and then, her eyes noting the tension in his shoulders gradually easing. The harsh lines on his face softened, replaced by a quiet contemplation she hadn't seen before.

Minutes passed, and the stillness began to feel less like an uncomfortable void and more like a shared understanding. Evelina's gaze drifted to the pond, its surface shimmering under the golden light of the afternoon sun. "It's beautiful here," she murmured, the words slipping out before she realized she had spoken.

Leone made a low sound of agreement, his voice so soft it was almost carried away by the breeze. "It's the only place that doesn't feel… suffocating."

Evelina tilted her head slightly, her curiosity piqued. "Why does everywhere else feel that way?"

For a moment, he didn't answer. His jaw tightened, and she thought she might have overstepped. But then he spoke, his voice heavy with an ache that seemed too old for someone his age.

"Because everywhere else reminds me of things I'd rather forget."

The weight of his words settled over her, tugging at her heart. Evelina glanced at him but didn't press further, sensing that pushing would only make him retreat. Instead, she let the silence return, her presence offering quiet support.

As the minutes stretched on, she hoped that even in this wordless exchange, she was helping to lighten the burdens he carried—if only just a little.

A few moments passed, the stillness between them broken only by the rustling of leaves and the gentle lapping of water against the pond's edge. Then, Leone shifted, his movements deliberate as he stood up, brushing the grass off his pants.

Evelina looked up at him, her gaze questioning but quiet, not wanting to disturb whatever thoughts had spurred his sudden movement. He glanced down at her briefly, his expression unreadable, though the weight in his eyes seemed a little lighter than before.

"I need to get back," he said simply, his voice steady but subdued.

Evelina nodded, rising to her feet as well. "Of course," she replied, picking up her notebook. Her usual confidence faltered under the quiet intensity of the moment, and she found herself unsure of what to say next.

As he turned to leave, his steps slow and measured, he paused, glancing over his shoulder. "Thank you… for not asking too many questions."

The words, though understated, carried a rare sincerity that caught her off guard. Evelina blinked, then smiled softly. "Anytime."

Leone didn't answer her, but the faintest tilt of his head was enough to let Evelina know he'd heard. Without another word, he turned and walked back toward the estate, his tall figure disappearing into the distance. Evelina stood frozen, watching him retreat, a strange warmth blooming in her chest despite the quiet weight of their brief exchange.

She cast one last glance at the pond, the sunlight catching the water's surface in a shimmering dance. 'Maybe he's not as unreachable as I thought,' she mused.

Then, the realization hit her like a sudden gust of wind. 'That was the perfect moment to invite him to join me...'

A sigh escaped her lips, and she slumped her shoulders in defeat. "How do I invite him... without him just saying no?" she muttered under her breath, her mind racing for the right words.

With a heavy heart, she stood up and walked back to her wing, her thoughts swirling.

Inside, Clarissa was waiting for her. Seeing Evelina's subdued expression, she raised an eyebrow. "Did something bad happen?"

Evelina shook her head, though her face remained downcast. "No... everything went well. Better than I expected, actually."

Clarissa's lips curved into a smile as she clasped her hands together. "That sounds like good news, then!"

Evelina sank onto the couch, her body feeling heavier than before. "Partially, Clarissa."

"Partially?" Clarissa's voice lifted in curiosity. "What do you mean?"

Evelina's gaze drifted to the floor, her mind still wrestling with her unspoken words. "How do I invite him... for what I have planned?"

'At least I got what I needed,' Evelina thought, her heart still racing a bit from the encounter with Leone. She quickly brushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.

Clarissa tilted her head, studying Evelina's expression with a mix of curiosity and concern. "What are you planning, Evelina? You sound so... unsure."

Evelina leaned back against the couch, pressing her fingertips to her temple as if the gesture might summon the confidence she lacked. "I wanted to invite Mr. Leone to the garden this weekend," she admitted quietly. "I thought it would be a good way to break the ice—something casual, no pressure."

Clarissa sat beside her, her face lighting up with a playful smirk. "That's not too hard, is it? Just ask him. Something like, 'Hey, Leone, care to join me in the garden?' Simple."

Evelina groaned, throwing her head back dramatically. "Stop joking Clarissa, you and i both know He'll dismiss me again."

Clarissa chuckled softly, nudging her shoulder. "You're overthinking everything. Honestly."

Evelina shook her head, a ghost of a smile creeping onto her face despite her frustration. "Maybe. But what if he really says no?"

"Then it's no." Clarissa shrugged, brushing an imaginary speck of dust from her skirt. "It's not the end of the world, Evelina. But if you never ask, you'll always wonder. That seems worse, doesn't it?"

Evelina frowned, her mind replaying the moment by the pond. His quiet presence, the way he turned without hesitation—it felt deliberate, calculated, as if he always knew exactly what he was doing. And yet, there had been something else in his silence, something she couldn't quite put into words.

"You're right," Evelina finally said, exhaling slowly. "I'll try. Tomorrow morning, I'll ask."

"That's the spirit." Clarissa beamed, standing up and offering her hand. "But for now, let's distract you with something else. Tea, perhaps? Or a bit of fresh air?"

Evelina took her hand with a small laugh, feeling a little lighter. "Tea sounds good. I have had enough of fresh air."

Clarissa turned to leave, but Evelina's voice stopped her mid-step.

"Oh, Clarissa," Evelina began, holding up her notebook with a name neatly written across the page, "before you make the tea, could you help me get an extra copy of this book?"

Clarissa glanced at the name, curiosity flickering in her eyes. Evelina had already gathered all the key information she needed, but this small request would help solidify her plan.

Clarissa glanced down at the title of the book, A Winter's Solace, that Evelina was pointing to, nodding thoughtfully. "I'll have a copy brought up for you," she said, her tone both efficient and warm. "Is there anything else you need?"

Evelina shook her head. "No, that's all for now. Just the book and tea." She tucked the notebook into her bag, her focus sharpening as she mentally prepared for the next steps. This would be her best chance to learn more about Leone and perhaps even find the opening she needed to make progress.

Clarissa gave a slight smile and nodded before heading out of the room. As the door clicked shut behind her, Evelina allowed herself a brief moment of quiet. One step at a time. I'll figure this out, she reassured herself.

A while later, Clarissa arrived with both the copy of the novel and Evelina's tea.

As Evelina sat quietly, reading the novel, an idea began to form—an idea on how to invite Leone without overwhelming him. She would surprise him, not with bold words, but with a simple gesture.