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Chapter 22 The Lilac Garden 

Cynthia was caught off guard, standing frozen in the middle of the road. The world around her blurred, laughter and clinking glasses becoming a distant echo. 

Victor, noticing Cynthia’s state, promptly guided Keira past her and settled into the nearest empty seats. 

Out of nowhere, two glasses materialized, a spontaneous gesture from their buddies. Victor, catching sight of the alcohol, dismissed it casually. Meanwhile, Cynthia, breaking free from the daze, observed as he got a steaming glass of milk for Keira. 

Amidst the flowing champagne and cheers, sensing the contrast between the lively atmosphere and the warmth in her hand, Keira whispered, “My dear, I can handle a bit of alcohol, you know.” 

She couldn’t help but feel like a lone teacup in a spirited mosh pit. 

Draped in a designer coat and an enigma, Victor shrugged and enveloped Keira’s knees in his warmth. “Don’t worry about it,” 

Sensing Keira’s discomfort, Victor cleared his throat, his voice cutting through the celebratory din. “Hey folks, Kay isn’t feeling very well tonight; spare her from the booze. But don’t let us stop your bubbly train!” 

“Mrs. Byrom can drink the moon if s 

she wants!” Someone said. 

“Hot milk is the best! A sleep elixir, good for the soul and all that, someone else chimed in. 

The agreement chorus grew louder, with some folks playfully swapping their champagne for mugs of milk. Otto, lurking in the corner, smirked, but it was Carlisle who spoke up. 

“Dude, you chug tequila like it’s water, and now you’re switching to milk for your girl. That’s not cool, man.” He shot at meaningful glance at Keira, a silent challenge gleaming in his eyes. 

Cynthia shook off her daze and sashayed over, a smile plastered on her face before plopping down next to Victor, “I know, right. I brought your favorite. Mind giving it a whirl?” 

Otto, gleefully stirring the pot, “Victor’s a whiskey man through and through! Cyn knows him better than anyone and takes the prize for devotion for trekking his liquid sunshine all the way back from abroad.” 

Laughter used to crupt like fireworks at this point. After all, most of them were childhood friends, and Cynthia’s crush on Victor was an open secret. But with Keira there, the air crackled with tension. 

Keira, sipping her milk, the rich aroma like a whisper on her lips, tilted her head at Victor with a sly smile. “Torry likes this, hub 

“Uh, Kay..“Victor’s spine prickled under her gaze. His voice was laced with nervousness as he reached for her hand as if she might bolt there and then. 

Much to his surprise, Keira clung to his hand, a mischievous spark in her eyes. “Hey, your friend went above and beyond to get this for you. Why not give it a shot? Unless you want her to drown in a pool of awkward sadness” 

Victor automatically tightened his hold on Keira’s hand, focusing solely on her. He scrutinized her expression and discovered no real anger, a reassuring revelation that lightened his heart.. 

However, a hint of disappointment briefly flickered in his eyes. 

In their social circle, the assumption persisted that he and Cynthia were an inevitable match. Despite having been married to Keira for a significant duration, their marital struggles were widely known. 

Regardless of Victor’s explicit rejections, Cynthia’s relentless pursuit, and her constant care for Luna’s well–being, everyone seemed convinced that it was just a matter of time before Cynthia claimed the title of Mrs. Byrom. 

On top of that, Keira, sharp and perceptive, couldn’t possibly Ms. Longhall’s evident admiration. Keira, not easily upset, seemed more indifferent than anything. 

Shortly after, Cynthia approached, carrying a small cup of Magellan. The unique, mysteriously blue liquid seemed to deepen under the influence of the ambient light, almost as if reflecting a starry sky. 

“Wow, I have to say it looks tantalizing Keira remarked, unable to hide her fascination. 

Keira’s fascinated gaze at the Magellan ship made Cynthia’s smile fade. 

This woman doesn’t display an ounce of concern with me right here. Does she genuinely believe Victor’s heart is a private territory reserved only for her? Could she genuinely be so confident and oblivious, thinking I pose no threat to their marriage? 

Keira’s demeanor eroded the remnants of Cynthia’s already unstable mental defenses. The more inner turmoil, the more serene Keira’s expression became. 

Approaching Victor, Cynthia placed the cup near him, offering, “Ms. Sunter, you might not know, but the standout quality of this Magellan is its hint of lilac There used to be a sprawling patch of it behind Byrom Manor, and we used to play there together.” 

A broader smile graced her lips as she continued, “Back then, he dubbed the garden our secret base. 

As Cynthia recounted, a touch of nostalgia painted Carlisle’s face, reflecting on the years they grew up together. “Unfortunately, after the Byrom Manor was reconstructed, the lilac garden got the ax. 

A teasing smile played on Carlisle’s lips. “Yeah, Cyn, selective memory, much? I could repeat myself till my voice croaks, and it’d vanish like smoke. But Victor murmurs something once; it’s carved in your soul.” 

The tone wasn’t reproachful; instead, it carried an air of superiority, underscoring their shared experiences–experiences Keira had never been a part of 

Cynthia’s shy grin morphed into a mischievous smirk as she shot a triumphant glance at Keira, sticking her tongue out at Carlisle with playful defiance. “Shoo, Carl! You always—” 

“Always what?” He chuckled, slinging an arm around Victor’s shoulder.” Always stating the obvious? Don’t tell me I’m wrong!” 

Victor nonchalantly wiped a smudge of milk from Keira’s lips, his gaze hardening slightly towards Carlisle. 

Keira watched, curious to see Cynthia’s next move. She wouldn’t want to upset Victor but wouldn’t back down either. Soothingly, she patted his hand, and he held hers, his fingers gently tracing circles. 

Across the room, Carlisle’s jaw clenched. Seeing Keira’s touch, Cynthia’s flushed face and the way Victor’s eyes lingered on her only fueled his displeasure. 

“Remember when Cyn used to wear blue all the time? Victor always said sky blue was his favorite. Funny coincidence, this wine’s the same shade. Fate, perhaps?” 

He turned to Cynthia, playfully scolding, “You’ve always been there for Victor, haven’t you? From childhood up until now,” 

Cynthia’s blush deepened, resembling a shy schoolgirl. Her gaze, flickering between Victor and Keira, held a hint of longing and insecurity. 

Meanwhile, Keira watched the scene unfold with a calculating glint. 

“Well, what a surprise that Ms. Longhall and Torry shared so many childhood memories, Keira chimed in, seizing the opportunity to slip away from Victor’s grip. 

A feigned nostalgia softened her features, the earlier chill vanishing. Eyes twinkling with insincere gratitude, she turned to Cynthia, “Honestly, Ms. Longhall, thank goodness you’re not Torry’s type. With such a shared history, who knows where that 

might leave me?” 

Her words, delivered with utmost sincerity, held a hidden barb. Envy for their shared past was a thinly veiled mockery, suggesting Cynthia and Victor’s childhood connection hadn’t blossomed into romance. And now, with Keira firmly in the picture, it never would. 

The ambiguity of her tone left no room for defense. Keira’s subtle jab had struck its mark. 

Sure enough, when Cynthia heard this, her initially rosy face turned ghostly pale instantly, her teary eyes on the brink of humiliation and crying