"You've been looking a little glum lately," William remarked as he set a glass of chilled lemonade on the garden table beside Anna's rocking chair.
The summer heat had finally begun to ease, leaving behind a warm but pleasant breeze that made afternoons in the estate garden feel almost idyllic. Surrounded by blooming flowers and the gentle scent of jasmine and citrus trees, it was the perfect refuge from the heaviness that sometimes clouded Anna's heart.
Whenever she felt down, Anna would retreat to the garden with a book in hand, seeking quiet solace among the greenery. And on the rare days when William could spare a few hours from his packed schedule, he'd join her—quietly, without a word, just content to be near.
Today was one of those days.
"It feels a little lonely without Gabriel," Anna admitted as she accepted the glass, her fingers brushing briefly against his.
