hapter 207


    This ce was seriously a hidden gem, like the perfect spot for a low–key getaway.


    I was zoned out, taking in the courtyard’s beauty, when a soft voice snapped me back. “Um, miss,


    are you looking for someone?”


    I turned to see a girl, probably around my age, standing there in a simple white dress. Her long


    braid draped over her shoulder, and her eyes? They sparkled like the ce itself.


    “You’re Miss Hart, right?” I asked, already knowing I was right.


    She looked surprised. “Yeah, that’s me. Are you here to see… my brother?”


    Yep, definitely Hayden’s sister. She didn’t exactly look like him, but they both had that annoyingly


    good- looking thing going on.


    While Hayden had this rugged, tough vibe, Yuna’s was softer–like she was made of sunshine and


    fresh air. “Yeah, I’m a friend of Hayden’s,” I said with a smile, reaching out my hand.


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    *


    Yuna hesitated for a sec, like she wasn’t expecting me, but then shook my hand with both of hers,


    all polite. “I’m Yuna Hart.”


    She seemed a little thrown off, which made me grin.


    “I’m Keira. Mind if Ie in?”


    >


    Realizing she still had me standing at the gate, Yuna let go of my hand and stepped aside quickly.


    “Oh, of course! Sorry, I wasn’t expecting anyone. The ce is kind of a mess.”


    1 leaned in a little, lowering my voice. “Your brother doesn’t know I’m here. I came in secret.”


    Her eyes went wide. “Really?”


    I winked. “Don’t tell him, okay?”


    Yuna paused for a second, then smiled like we were in on some kind of fun secret. I nced around


    the courtyard again–it was even more stunning the longer I looked.


    “Please, have a seat. I’ll make you some flower tea,” she offered, sounding all sweet and genuine.


    Thinking of her heart condition, I waved it off. “Oh, you don’t have to. I’m not really thirsty.”


    But Yuna just smiled and headed inside anyway. A minuteter, she came back with a teapot and


    some dried flowers, carefully brewing the tea right in front of me.


    The teapot looked brand new–like one of those fancy, sleek ones that had juste out this year. I


    smirked. “Did your brother get this for you?”


    “Yeah, he spoils me. Wants me to have the best of everything,” Yuna said, her face glowing with


    pride. As she brewed the tea, her eyes wandered over the courtyard. “He built this house for me,


    too. Said living here would be good for my health.”


    I blinked, a little stunned. Building a house? That wasn’t a small thing. Hayden must really care


    about her.


    Yuna held up a ss bottle filled with water. “See this? I collect dew from the garden and use it to


    make tea. My brother says it makes the best tea.”


    I touched the bottle–it was cool. Her whole vibe just screamed effort and care. I mean, collecting


    dew for tea? That took serious patience. And here she was, making it for me, someone she barely


    knew. I couldn’t help but like her instantly.


    “Yuna, you’re seriously too sweet,” I said.


    She smiled shyly. “You’re so pretty.”


    Iughed. “Look who’s talking. You look like you stepped right out of some enchanted forest.”


    She blushed, clearly flustered. After a beat, her eyes lit up. “Keira, are you my brother’s girlfriend?”


    I could see the hope in her eyes. She was totally gonna be disappointed if I said no.


    Before I could answer, she added, “You have to be! You’re the first girl he’s ever mentioned. If his


    girlfriend, he wouldn’t have told you where I live.”


    you


    weren’t


    Her words caught me off guard. Was this all part of some n of Hayden’s? Did he expect me to


    end up here?


    Weirdly enough, I didn’t mind. In fact, I felt… happy. Happy I met Yuna, happy I found this ce.


    “Yeah, I guess I am,” I said, grinning. “Does that make you happy?”