Chapter 207
This place was seriously a hidden gem, the perfect spot for a low-key getaway. I was lost in the courtyard's beauty when a soft voice startled me. "Um, miss, are you looking for someone?"
I turned to see a girl, probably my age, in a simple white dress. Her long braid cascaded over her shoulder, and her eyes sparkled like the place itself.
"You're Miss Hart, right?" I asked, already certain.
She looked surprised. "Yeah, that's me. Are you here to see... my brother?"
Definitely Hayden's sister. She didn't exactly resemble him, but they both possessed that annoyingly attractive quality. While Hayden had a rugged, tough vibe, Yuna's was softerโlike sunshine and fresh air. "Yeah, I'm a friend of Hayden's," I said, smiling and extending my hand.
Yuna hesitated, as if surprised, then shook my hand with both of hers, very politely. "I'm Yuna Hart."
Her slight surprise made me grin. "I'm Keira. Mind if I come in?"
Realizing I was still at the gate, Yuna quickly stepped aside. "Oh, of course! Sorry, I wasn't expecting anyone. The place is kind of a mess."
Leaning in, I lowered my voice. "Your brother doesn't know I'm here. I came secretly."
Her eyes widened. "Really?"
I winked. "Don't tell him, okay?"
Yuna paused, then smiled conspiratorially. I glanced around the courtyard againโit was even more stunning upon closer inspection.
"Please, have a seat. I'll make you some flower tea," she offered, sweetly and genuinely.
Thinking of her heart condition, I declined. "Oh, you don't have to. I'm not really thirsty."
But Yuna smiled and went inside. A minute later, she returned with a teapot and dried flowers, carefully brewing the tea before me. The teapot looked brand newโone of those sleek, fancy ones recently released. 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, her eyes wandered over the courtyard. "He built this house for me, too. Said living here would be good for my health."
I blinked, stunned. Building a house? That was significant. Hayden must truly care for her.
Yuna held up a glass 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 bottleโit was cool. Her entire demeanor radiated effort and care. Collecting dew for tea? That required serious patience. And she was making it for me, a virtual stranger. I instantly liked her.
"Yuna, you're seriously too sweet," I said.
She smiled shyly. "You're so pretty."
I laughed. "Look who's talking. You look like you stepped right out of an enchanted forest."
She blushed, clearly flustered. After a moment, her eyes lit up. "Keira, are you my brother's girlfriend?"
I saw the hope in her eyes. She'd 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 you weren't his girlfriend, he wouldn't have told you where I live."
Her words surprised me. Was this part of Hayden's plan? Did he expect me to end up here?
Oddly, I didn't mind. In fact, I felt happy. Happy I met Yuna, happy I found this place.
"Yeah, I guess I am," I said, grinning. "Does that make you happy?"