Chapter 22 The Problem Lies With You
Sage Manor was where Zephyr lived within the Gates Estate.
Sadie was puzzled. “He wants to see me?”
Over the past few months, there had been hardly any interaction between them.
She wondered why he had suddenly asked to see her.
She arrived at Sage Manor, feeling uneasy..
The lanterns had already been lit, casting a soft glow around the big red lamps hanging from each roof corner. As dusk settled, the carvings on the red gates and jade doors, along with the embroidered railings and pine–covered eaves, stood proudly beneath the sky.
She was led into Zephyr’s study.
He was seated comfortably in a round chair, focused on reading some documents.
On the thick carpet in front of him lay a pair of boots.
They were the very ones she had gifted him that morning. But now, both soles had come off, making them look like cheap knock–offs from a roadside stall.
Sadie said nothing.
Clearly, Zephyr had worn the shoes, and now they were worn out.
“Miss Francis, are you surprised?” Zephyr asked calmly.
Sadie looked down and stayed silent.
Zephyr flipped a page and said, “I went to the High Court this afternoon. Just before leaving, I happened to wear the shoes you gave me. Sadly, once I got there, the sole came off.”
Sadie imagined the scene.
It was a bit funny, but she dared not laugh at that moment.
“It seems the boots you gave me weren’t the same as the ones you gave Alexander,” Zephyr added, closing his document, and flashed a half–smile. “Why would you give me shoes made so poorly? Or… is that what you think I deserve?”
Sadie had no response.
He’s always so harsh to me, always thinking about sending me away.
He should know whether he deserves it or not.
Still, under his sharp gaze, she could only gather her courage and say, “Maybe I was rushing and didn’t stitch the soles properly. I… I can re–sew them for you.”
She thought he’d scold her, maybe send her away.
After all, he was The Duke’s heir. He’d never lack a decent pair of shoes.
44 The Problem Lies With You
But to her surprise, he said, “Okay.”
Then he asked a servant to bring a sewing kit.
Sadie was at a loss for words.
Upon the servant’s request, she had no choice but to fix the pair of boots.
The sky outside had darkened.
The window’s pearly surface reflected the golden candlelight, and her shadow fell softly onto the smooth. polished shells around the room. Her small figure, head bowed, was outlined clearly. Her dress, layered in jade green and orange floral prints, spilled around her like a bird folding its feathers.
Zephyr stood nearby, watching her quietly.
Her hair was tied into two neat buns, each wrapped with a soft, pale–yellow ribbon that made her look especially sweet.
But those cheerful colors felt out of place in his study.
Sadie could feel his cold gaze behind her, like a ghostly rope tightening around her shoulders.
She pursed her lips, and at just the wrong moment, her stomach growled.
She hadn’t eaten dinner yet.
Zephyr casually asked, “Are you hungry, Miss Francis?”
Though his voice sounded lighthearted, there was something cold hidden beneath it.
Sadie lowered her head. “No…”
She paused her eyes resting on the floor tiles that looked like smooth white marble.
She could see Zephyr’s reflection standing tall and graceful in them.
He had always treated her and her mother like outsiders, wanting them out of the estate.
Zephyr…
Deep down, he truly cares about the Gates family, doesn’t he? And he cares for his loved ones. He wants to protect his home.
There was a hint of emotion in Sadie’s eyes.
As she stitched the soles, she said softly, “I started learning to make shoes and clothes when I was eight. Most of the boots and embroidered shoes my older siblings wore were made by me. Between chc nd errands, I often worked until midnight before I could even sit down to eat. So being a little hungry now isn’t a big deal.”
Zephyr held a deep regard for family ties.
She wanted him to know she cared deeply about family too.
She wanted to tell him that in some ways, they weren’t that different.
Chapter 22 The Problem Lies With You
And maybe, if they were alike, they could get along.
It was a shame she couldn’t see Zephyr’s expression, so she had no idea what he was thinking.
He stood with his arms crossed, leaning against his desk.
His eyes followed the soft yellow ribbon in her hair and then trailed to her back as she worked.
The fourteen–year–old girl had a softly rounded head. When she lowered it, the pale skin of her neck showed clearly. Under the warm light, her slim figure looked fresh and graceful, like a young flower just beginning to bloom.
He couldn’t see exactly what she was doing.
But by her steady, practiced movements, it was clear she’d done this many times before.
He had seen how the Francis siblings treated her.
She had been unwanted in the Francis family.
He said gently, “It sounds like life in the Francis family wasn’t easy for you. But have you ever heard this saying? People who are always pitied usually have something unpleasant about them. If one person dislikes you, maybe it’s not your fault. But if everyone does… then perhaps the problem lies with you.”
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