Chapter 9
Thanks to Inanna’s help, the custody battle ended successfully. Elias Sinclair tried to hold out until the end, but no judge would grant custody of the child to a man who had filed for bankruptcy.
Daisy stopped every few steps as she went to deliver this joyous news.
Their relationship had become somewhat peculiar. Whenever Daisy went to meet Inanna, she felt a tension she had never experienced when they were just friends. It seemed Inanna felt the same, her face flushing when Daisy appeared.
The sensation of their lips meeting just days ago was still vivid. However, both Daisy and Inanna were too exhausted to start another relationship right away.
So they decided to spend time together.
“Mom!”
Noah came running out as they arrived at Magnolia Manor.
“Oh my, what have you gotten all over your clothes?”
Ketchup? Mayonnaise? Or was it mustard?
Daisy asked in shock, looking at Noah’s multicolored shirt.
“I was cooking today. The sandwiches you made for me in Somerset were so delicious, I wanted to make some for you too.”
What on earth had those tiny hands been up to? Daisy felt her heart swell with a mix of surprise and gratitude.
“Daisy, welcome back.”
Inanna, who had followed Noah out, nodded in greeting.
“Thanks.”
“You must be hungry. Let’s go inside and eat some sandwiches.”
Inanna gestured to Noah. As Daisy pushed Inanna’s wheelchair inside, Noah led the way to the dining room.
Sure enough, a platter of sandwiches made by Noah was generously laid out on the table. Not only were there many, but they were also unusually thick.
“Please try them quickly.”
Noah said, pushing the plate towards Daisy. He had clearly prepared them in time for her return.
Daisy picked up one sandwich and flinched at its size.
It was enormous. So big that it would be an achievement just not to drop it, let alone eat it gracefully. Normally, she would have stuffed it into her mouth in one go to please Noah.
The problem was that Inanna was with them now.
She felt a bit embarrassed about opening her mouth wide to eat a sandwich in front of Inanna, who used to be a friend but was now the kingdom’s most beautiful woman with whom she had just started a romantic relationship.
But when she turned her gaze to the right, Noah was staring at her mouth with sparkling eyes.
Oh, whatever.
Daisy closed her eyes tightly, took a bite of the sandwich, and chewed thoroughly.
“How is it?”
Noah asked. Daisy tried to ignore Inanna’s gaze as she answered.
“Mm. It’s the best. You’re truly your mother’s son. How did you make it so well?”
There were some eggshell bits, but the overall combination was excellent and tasty.
“Lady Inanna helped me!”
Daisy had no choice but to turn towards Inanna. She was looking at Daisy with a gentle smile, like a warm spring breeze.
“You have something here.”
Inanna gestured towards her mouth.
“Here?”
“No, here.”
As Daisy kept missing the spot, Inanna reached out. Her soft hand wiped Daisy’s mouth, removing a piece of egg.
“Now it’s clean.”
She then smiled brightly. Daisy felt her heart skip a beat, partly from embarrassment and partly from the meaningful touch that had tickled her cheek.
“Mom, your face is red. Are you coming down with a cold?”
Noah asked, tugging at her skirt. Daisy bent down to pick him up and replied.
“No, it’s not that. I think it’s just getting a bit warmer these days.”
Noticing Daisy’s embarrassment, Inanna’s giggle could be heard. Her voice sounded as clear and beautiful as a glass bell.
It was troubling how everything about Inanna had started to seem beautiful. This was despite the fact that they were both far from their girlhood days and gradually aging.
After the meal, Noah was led away by Helia to wash up. Daisy placed the custody-related documents in front of Inanna and said,
“It’s all over now. They didn’t even grant visitation rights, so Noah and I are free. It’s all thanks to you.”
Inanna smiled gently.
“You should have had this from the beginning.”
“I suppose so, but somehow it doesn’t feel real.”
“Well then, let’s decide what to do next. Where do you want to live, and what do you want to do?”
Daisy’s eyes widened at Inanna’s question.
“Weren’t you going to ask me to come to Paddington?”
To stay close to Inanna, who would soon become the Grand Duchess of Briancet, she would have to live in Paddington. However, contrary to Daisy’s concerns, Inanna answered cheerfully,
“I can come to Somerset.”
To your orchard where golden apples grow, she added with a broad smile.
Considering that all the political foundations of the Grand Ducal family were concentrated in the capital, and the fact that she would soon become the head of a family, it would certainly be difficult for her to travel back and forth to Somerset. Nevertheless, Inanna spoke as if the inconvenience she would have to endure was nothing.
“But you’re Inanna of Paddington, aren’t you?”
Daisy asked with a skeptical look. How could one separate Paddington from Inanna Briancet?
“And you’re Daisy of Somerset.”
A smile like a gentle spring breeze settled on Inanna’s lips.
Daisy of Somerset. Those words made Daisy’s heart race. Daisy, who thought she had lost everything in Paddington, had built her foundation and put down roots in Somerset. It was undoubtedly thanks to Somerset’s sun that she had gained the strength to protect herself, even after hearing the shocking confession.
Daisy, who had grown accustomed to giving up what was hers, gazed endlessly into the violet eyes of the one who said there was no need to let go of anything.
How could one not love the kind consideration those eyes conveyed?
Daisy slowly leaned towards Inanna.
As she gently and somewhat cautiously pressed her lips against Inanna’s, she smelled the scent of freshly cut freesias. That yellow, bright flower.
“I love you.”
The words that tumbled out became the most perfect confession, blooming fully in her mouth. Inanna giggled as Daisy’s kisses moved from her lips to the bridge of her nose, then to her forehead, and back to her cheek.
It was a somewhat relieved smile.
“My miracle.”
For over a decade, she thought she had accomplished nothing but revenge. However, during that time, Daisy had grown golden apples and returned even the feelings she thought would never be reciprocated.
“My joy.”
The green eyes she thought she had lost forever sparkled.
“And, my happiness.”
The end of winter had finally come for Inanna, who had been withered by cold and dryness. New buds, the same color as Daisy’s eyes, were sprouting in her heart.
Khriss
Thanks for the story!!! ❤️