Chapter 44 Old Wounds
The next morning. The Goldsheen Manor.
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Katy arrived with a gilt–edged card. “Miss Sadie, Mr. Oliver asks that you join him tomorrow evening at Flora Park for the Fish Lantern Night Parade.”
Sadie answered coolly, “Not interested.”
A centuries–old custom in Aurelia Province, Fish Lantern Night Parade flooded Flora Park with thousands of glowing, jewel–bright lantern fish…
Koi exhibitions and actors dressed up swelled the crowd until the revel became the province’s grandest midsummer spectacle.
When Sadie was little, schoolmates returned each year bursting with stories of that wild whirl of color. She longed to go, but her brothers always found fault–an unwashed hem, a cluttered study–then left her at home while they escorted Daisy, gleaming in silk, to the parade.
They came back after midnight, still thrilled, waving the newest lantern like a trophy.
Over the years, Daisy filled an entire wardrobe with lanterns, yet Sadie did not own even one.
At first, Sadie envied them so fiercely that she argued, but four voices drowned out her single protest, and every quarrel ended with her being scolded. By the time she grew older, she had stopped pinning her hopes on festivals.
So this year, she decided she would not go.
Alexander lounged on the couch, snacking. “What is it. Do you adore me so much that you never leave my bedside? Relax, I will never abandon you. Now, run along to the parade. Enjoy yourself, and bring me back a lantern. If it is not beautiful, I refuse to keep it.”
Sadie studied him, knowing he only wanted her to breathe freely for one evening. She resolved not to waste his kindness.
At dusk, she stepped into a carriage and rolled toward South–side Flora Park.
The moment she climbed down, she nearly collided with the Francis siblings gathered outside the gate.
Neville’s eyes lit with surprise; then he smirked. “Knew you would turn up.”
Sadie froze, realizing they believed she had come in answer to Oliver’s invitation.
“I only came to buy a lantern for Alex,” she said.
Neville waved her explanation aside, “Spare us. It is nearly dark. The lanterns must already be lit. Go on inside.”
Daisy glided closer, her smile sweet. Taking Sadie’s hand, she said, “Of course, Sadie. We are bound by the same blood. A few quarrels mean nothing. It is no shame to lower your head first, and a bit of noise simply keeps a home alive.”
Adonis folded his hands behind his back and said, “Sadie, see how thoughtful Daisy is? You would do well to
take a leaf from her book.”
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Chapter 44 Old Wounds
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Oliver put away his fan and added, “Sadie, drop that scowl. Everyone takes a step back, and we remain family.”
Sadie kept her silence. Their easy assumptions scraped against her, as though they could read her heart.
She said, “I came only to buy a fish lantern for Alex. I do not intend to travel with you.”
Without waiting for a reply, she crossed the threshold into Blossom Court, her back a silent refusal.
The Francis siblings traded uneasy glances.
Neville let out a derisive snort. “Since she is already here, why keep up the act? She is laughably easy to summon. We call, and she trots over like a trained pup.”
Oliver flicked open his fan and offered a lazy sneer. “She has done as we say since she could walk, and she never dared show pride before us. So yes, she is easy to tame. Watch–after tonight she will drop Alexander from her thoughts and chase after us again, eager to serve.”
Full darkness settled. Inside Flora Park, thousands of lanterns flared to life, turning.the gardens bright as noon. Scholars strolled arm in arm with young ladies while children darted beneath the lights, shrieking at the night’s sudden magic.
Adonis clasped his hands behind his back and breathed out a sigh. “It has been far too long since the four of us enjoyed an evening together.”
Daisy tugged on his sleeve. “Adonis, you have not bought me a fish lantern yet this year.”
“Of course, I will.” Adonis said with an indulgent grin, tapping her nose. “When have I ever failed you?”
Daisy looped her arm through his. “You are the best.”
They chose a stall piled high with glowing fish lanterns. Adonis produced a small silver coin and told the shopkeeper, “Find my sister the prettiest one you have.”
Each lantern was framed in split bamboo and wrapped in painted oil paper so thin the light breathed through it.
Clever joints let the tail and head sway, so the fish seemed to swim through the spring night, delighting girls and children alike.
Having bought Daisy’s lantern, Adonis looked up and noticed Sadie at the neighboring stall, scrutinizing the display with quiet focus.
Adonis clicked his tongue. “Sadie, you could simply share Daisy’s lantern. Why throw away money on an
extra one?”
Sadie lifted a brow. “Share one lantern?”
Adonis frowned. “Has it not always been that way?”
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