Chapter 171: A Third Wheel
At Lancaster Ancestral Mansion
The autumn weather was perfect—cool and crisp, with a soft breeze and no harsh sunlight. It was the kind of day that made you want to be outside. Taking advantage of it, Rock invited Melanie to join him for a walk in the garden.
At first, Melanie was shy, and hesitant to fully engage. But with Rock and Ben making every effort to make her feel at home, she gradually warmed up to their company.
"Let’s sit over there," Rock suggested, pointing toward a nearby table and chairs nestled in the garden’s greenery.
"This is a lovely garden," Melanie remarked as she admired the scenery.
"It was my late wife’s," Rock replied, his voice softening with nostalgia. "I’m not much for gardening myself, but before she passed, she made me promise to take care of this place. She said it would always remind me of her whenever I missed her. And she was right." He smiled gently, lost in memories of days spent with his wife.
This garden had become his sanctuary, a place where he could feel close to her. Over time, he’d learned to tend it himself, fulfilling his promise with care and dedication.
"Do you like plants, Melanie?" Rock asked, genuinely curious.
Melanie looked around, her eyes taking in the vibrant flowers and lush greenery. "I love them," she said, her gaze lifting to the sky. Her eyes sparkled with a sense of peace that had been absent for so long. "It’s been a while since I’ve been outside like this. I’ve missed being surrounded by nature."