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Chapter 19: Bonds of Friendship
**Thelma Zane’s POV**
For a moment, the heaviness in my heart began to lift. Aldrich’s considerate demeanor surprised me and gave me a sense of comfort I hadn’t expected. It wasn’t often that someone could pull me out of my own thoughts so effortlessly.
“I’ve misunderstood you all this time,” I said softly. “Thank you for being so thoughtful today.”
He laughed, the sound warm and infectious. “Don’t mention it. If anyone dares to bother you in the future, just let me know. I’ll teach them a lesson they won’t forget.”
I chuckled, extending my hand toward him. “Well, in that case, I suppose I’ll reluctantly acknowledge you as my friend.”
His hand, strong and warm, clasped mine in a firm handshake. For the first time since meeting him, I felt a genuine connection forming between us.
“Alright, where are you planning to take me now?” I asked, my curiosity piqued. The
annoyance I’d initially felt toward him had dissolved, and I found myself looking forward to the rest of the day.
He tilted his head with a mischievous smile. “Are you sure you’re ready for more? We could, just find a quiet spot if you’d rather relax.”
I laughed lightly and patted his arm. “Let’s keep going, handsome. Show me what this place has to offer.”
With a nod, Aldrich started the car again, and this time, I let myself truly enjoy the ride. The landscapes we passed were breathtaking–rolling hills, vibrant fields of flowers, and clusters. of trees that seemed to dance in the breeze. There was something serene about this place, something that made it feel like I could leave my worries behind, even if just for a little while.
“Where are we headed?” I asked, trying to guess based on the scenery.
“You’ll see,” he said cryptically, a playful glint in his eyes.
When the car finally stopped, I found myself staring at a sprawling manor. “This is my family’s estate,” Aldrich explained as he stepped out and gestured for me to follow.
The manor was beautiful, surrounded by lush greenery and teeming with life. Sheep grazed lazily in a nearby pasture, and a few cattle wandered under the shade of a large oak tree.
Aldrich led me toward the animals, handing me handfuls of feed to offer them.
“I didn’t expect you to be so at home here,” I said as we fed the sheep.
He laughed. “There’s more to me than meets the eye, Thelma.”
Our next stop was the stables, where Aldrich introduced me to the horses. He insisted on teaching me how to ride, and despite my initial besitation, I found myself enjoying it. There was a certain freedom in letting the horse guide me, the wind rushing past as I held tightly to
the reins.
“You’re a natural,” Aldrich said as we dismounted.
“Don’t flatter
me,” I replied, though I couldn’t hide the smile on my face.
The afternoon passed in a blur of laughter and ghthearted moments. Aldrich showed me at swing tucked under the shade of a large tree and insisted on pushing me higher and higher. At one point, he disappeared briefly and returned with a basket of fresh blueberries, which we shared as we sat on the swing together.
“I can’t remember the last time I felt this relaxed “I admitted, popping another blueberry into my mouth.
“Well, you deserve it,” he said simply.
As the sun began to set, Aldrich suggested we head to a nearby restaurant for dinner. “The food here is terrible,” he said dramatically, referring to the manor. “Let me treat you to something decent.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at his theatrics and agreed to go with him.
The restaurant was small but cozy, with an inviting atmosphere. The moment we stepped inside, it was clear that Aldrich was a regular here. The waiter greeted him with a wide smile and asked, “The usual?”
“Not yet. Let’s see what the lady would like first,” Aldrich replied, gesturing for me to look at
the menu.
I stared at the options, feeling overwhelmed by the choices. “I’m not sure,” I admitted.
Aldrich leaned in, his voice low and teasing. “How about a beef sandwich and a glass of beer? Simple but satisfying. Though, sadly, I’ll have to skip the beer since I’m driving.“”
“Thank you for the suggestion,” I said with a smile. “But one sandwich is enough for me. We’ll save the beer for another time–I can’t let you drink alone?”
His grin widened. “Deal.”
As we waited for our food, several people approached our table to greet Aldrich. Most of them. seemed to be military personnel, and a few even wore uniforms. It was easy to see why he was so well–liked. Despite being the son of a Duke, he carried himself with humility and charm, earning the respect of those around him.
When our food arrived, I eagerly dug into the sandwich, savoring the flavors. It was simple but delicious, and I found myself eating faster than I intended.
(1) Bonds of Frektshe
A waiter approached with a glass of wine, placing it on the table with a sly smile. “This is from the lady over there,” he said, nodding toward a woman seated across the room. “You’re quite popular, sir.”
I watched Aldrich closely, expecting him to flash his usual charming grin and make his way over to the woman. Instead, he sighed and shook his head. “Put it on my bill,” he said quietly.
His reaction caught me off guard. “You’re not going to say hello? She’s quite pretty.”
“There’s no need,” he replied, his tone unusually somber.
Curiosity got the better of me. “Do you already have a mate?” I asked tentatively.
He hesitated before answering. “I thought I did once. But she wasn’t ready, so…” He shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant, though the sadness in his eyes betrayed him.
I hadn’t expected that. For all his flirtatious remarks and playful banter, there was a depth to Aldrich that I hadn’t seen before.
“She doesn’t know what she’s missing,” I said, hoping to lighten the mood.
He laughed softly, the melancholy fading from his expression. “It’s fine. That chapter of my life is long over. But you you seemed pretty sad earlier. Care to share?”
His gaze was earnest, and I realized that I didn’t feel the same resistance to opening up as I had before.
“I was once meant to be someone’s mate,” I said, my voice steady. “But he rejected me- harshly.”
Aldrich’s expression softened. “His loss,” he said simply.
For the first time, I believed it.
Chapter 20: The Weight of the Past
