It was a day in June when a visitor arrived at the Verbaine Estate.

The estate, finished just last year, was now surrounded by vibrant greenery. Nestled in a secluded area, the mansion employed around twenty servants. However, its master, Marquis Zion Verbaine, valued tranquility and disliked servants wandering the halls at night. As a result, the servants’ quarters were built some distance away, and access to the estate and its gardens was restricted after 9 p.m.

The guest arrived as the sky turned shades of dusk. It was none other than Adele.

“Adele!”

Leah exclaimed, greeting her warmly. It had been two years since they last met.

“How have you been?”

Adele stepped into the mansion, her gaze sweeping across its elegant interiors. 

“This mansion is absolutely splendid.”

“Welcome, Adele.”

Leah said warmly. 

“I’ve missed you so much, Leah.”

Adele replied, embracing her friend with affection. 

“Did you finally leave the monastery?” 

“I told you, I went to the monastery just for priesthood training,” Adele clarified with a small smile. “But it’s about time I think about marriage. What about you?” 

“Me?”

Leah echoed, taken aback by the question. 

“Aren’t you getting married?”

“I have no intention of getting married.”

Leah responded matter-of-factly, her voice firm yet serene. 

Leah guided Adele to the living room, where a maid had already prepared tea. Lifting her cup, Leah gestured for Adele to do the same. From the huge living room window, the lush garden was on full display, its vibrant greenery and well-tended flowers adding a peaceful charm to their reunion. 

The garden Zion had designed for Leah was a masterpiece, with roses blooming from spring to fall and vibrant flowers flourishing in the greenhouse during winter. 

“The daughter of the Verbaine Marquis not getting married? Does that even make sense?”

Adele exclaimed, raising an eyebrow. 

“I’m not getting married.” 

“Then why did you leave the monastery?”

“I didn’t think it was right to let my older brother live alone.” 

“I was really shocked,” Adele admitted. “I had no idea Zion, the priest, was your brother. How did you keep that from me so completely?” 

“I didn’t keep it from you,” Leah said with a slight smile. “It just wasn’t the right time to mention it. Besides, we’re step-siblings… We’ve lived apart for a long time.” 

“Ah, that makes sense,” Adele nodded. “But is the Marquis not here?” 

“My brother went hunting. He said he’ll be back a little late today,” Leah replied. “Are you staying the night?” 

“Of course,” Adele said cheerfully. “I already sent the carriage back and told them to return tomorrow. You do have a good room for me, right?” 

Adele laughed playfully.

“But Leah, is there still no news of the Marquis getting married?”

“My brother… doesn’t seem to have any thoughts about marriage yet.”

Although Leah was happy to see her friend after such a long time, Adele’s persistent questions left her feeling uneasy. There was a secret she shared with her brother, a secret no one else could know. 

Despite being step-siblings, their relationship had crossed forbidden boundaries. Each night, they gave in to their desires, unable to resist the pull toward one another. They both knew it was wrong—a sin—but they couldn’t bring themselves to stop. 

Leah’s body had grown accustomed to Zion’s touch, to the comfort and passion they shared. She could no longer imagine a life without him, without being in his arms. She understood now that this was the nature of sin: alluring, consuming, and impossible to escape. 

She understood only too well how sin could draw people deeper into its grip, like sinking into a swamp with no escape. And yet she had already succumbed, unable to resist its pull. Most painful of all was the knowledge that she had dragged Zion into the same darkness. Her once virtuous brother was now tainted by the sin she had brought into their lives. 

“Leah, we are friends, aren’t we?”

Adele asked suddenly, breaking the silence. 

“Of course we are.”

“Then how do you feel about me marrying your brother?”

Adele’s question came with a playful smile, but it hit Leah like a jolt, her heart tightening with unspoken fear.

“Huh?”

“Did you think I came all this way for no reason?”

Adele said with a mischievous smile.

“You know our family is well established. I’ve met many suitors, but none of them caught my eye. But your brother, Zion… Oh, I suppose I should call him Marquis Verbaine now. I think he would be a perfect match for me, which is why I’ve come all this way. The Marquis doesn’t attend parties, so I’ve never had the chance to meet him. That’s why I used you as an excuse to pay you a visit. Of course, I wanted to see you as well.” 

“I see…”

Leah murmured, struggling to hide her surprise at Adele’s unexpected confession. 

“I want your help,” Adele continued seriously. “Surely I’m a better choice than some stranger, don’t you think? After all, family ties are important.”

“That’s true, but… marriage is a big decision. I don’t think it’s something to rush into,” Leah replied carefully. “My brother’s opinion matters too.” 

“Of course, I know that,” Adele said with a chuckle. “But having someone on your side to help can make all the difference.” 

She laughed lightly, taking a sip of her tea. 

“This mansion is incredible. If we get married, I’ll be living here, right?” 

“This was built last year,” Leah explained. “The original mansion burned down.” 

“The garden is stunning. Is that a greenhouse?”

“Yes.” 

“And flowers bloom in there even during winter, right?” 

“Yes.” 

“I’d love to see those flowers,” Adele said dreamily. “They must be breathtaking. If we get married this year, I’ll get to see the greenhouse flowers this winter, won’t I?”

Watching Adele speak as if she were already married to Zion left Leah with a swirl of conflicting emotions. 

‘Marriage… My brother should get married someday… Am I standing in the way of his future?’

Leah couldn’t help but wonder if she was the reason Zion had avoided marriage. Perhaps he had given up on the idea to protect and care for her instead. 

‘Adele would undoubtedly make a wonderful wife… She’s far more suitable for my brother than someone like me.’ 

But what would happen to her if Zion married Adele? Their secret relationship would have to end—it was impossible to continue once he was married. 

‘Can I live without him… without my brother?’ 

The very thought was unimaginable. 

‘I don’t want my brother to get married…’ 

The idea of Adele taking Zion away from her filled Leah with unease. The friend she had once cherished now began to stir feelings of resentment deep within her heart. 

‘Why did Adele come all the way here?’

Leah wondered, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

‘There are so many other men from prominent families…’ 

Deep down, she even wished Zion would send Adele back. 

“Can I take a look around the mansion?”

Adele asked, breaking Leah’s thoughts. 

“Yes, feel free.”