In the unseen corners of his world, I couldn't help but wonder if Herschel also reveled in such exquisite care., Ever so restless, my mind darted to a myriad of thoughts next.,

"Come, have a seat,

" Lord beckoned., I approached, and the young ladies were at my service immediately, pouring coffee with meticulous attention., Unaccustomed to such pampering, I figured, 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do.',

"Unmarried, I presume?

" Lord inquired, sipping his tea., I smiled.

"Correct.

", He chuckled.

"And when will you join Herschel's family?

", I was surprised to find out that Lord didn't know about my breakup with Conrad and that Allen had once considered me as potential wife material., I couldn't help but wonder if Lord would have been shocked out of his wits if I had shown up last time as Allen's fiancée.,

"I shall not,

" I responded plainly., Lord didn't seem surprised. He smiled and asked,

"Where are you working now?

", He was indeed sophisticated, and he knew without my saying that not marrying into the Wagner family meant I wasn't working at the Wagner Group, either.

"A small firm,

" I left it vague., After all, to someone of Lord's standing, the specifics of my employment were likely nothing.,

"What sort of partner are you seeking?

" he circled my personal life, dodging my questions., Unsure of his intentions, I answered truthfully,

"I'm already seeing someone.

",

"Oh,

" Lord smiled, lightly tapping his cup., He didn't press further while my patience thinned. I asked again,

"Mr. Clark, do you know Denis?

", Lord shook his head.

"Doesn't ring a bell.

", My heart sank. Hastily, I took a contract from my bag, tucked within my father's notebook, and handed it to him., Lord barely glanced at it before advising,

"Focus on what matters.

", 'Focus on what matters? Is it about the unsigned contract handed to Herschel? Or is it about questioning whether my father's accident linked to this very deal, perhaps orchestrated to secure it?' I pondered. Regardless of how I phrased it, all paths led to suspicion toward Herschel. And Herschel, who cherished me so, as even Lord's first utterance hinted, how could I doubt him?, My silence amused Lord.

"My dear, there's a saying among lovers. Cherish the one you're with, yes?

", I swallowed hard. As Lord set down his teacup, a young girl promptly offered him a tissue, which he used to wipe his fingers.

"Let the past rest. Live for the present, understand?

", I understood, yet I voiced,

"But I can't just let my parents' deaths go unresolved.

",

"What truth do you seek?

" Lord probed., I was at a loss. Lord looked up, a faint smile on his face.

"I have a friend, recently met, brain-damaged from an accident. He's in his forties yet lives like a child, concerned only with his immediate desires. It sounds pitiful to many, but his wife claims this is his happiest state. Do you know why?

", While sharing this, Lord fiddled with a small box, rubbing it with his thumb before taking a sniff from it., Snuff, I recognized.,

"Because,

" he continued,

"without the ailment, he was burdened with the need for clarity in everything, exhausting himself. Now, freed from such burdens, he finds joy.

",

"Sometimes, being oblivious is a blessing. You get it?

" Lord tapped my hand., How could I not understand? Reflecting on my innate tendency to speculate, I took a deep breath.

"I want to love and be loved with clarity.

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