ELEVEN

KATE'S POV:

The sudden roar of thunder pulled me out of sleep. I blinked at the ceiling, disoriented for a moment before the relentless pounding of rain against the windows snapped me to full awareness. Rain. My garden.

The roses, lilies, and lavender I just planted. The rain will ruin them.

I threw the covers off and jumped out of bed. No time to change out of my pajamas. I needed to save the flowers. I had only planted the roses and lavender yesterday, and they were far too delicate to withstand such a harsh downpour.

My bare feet slapped against the cold marble floors as I rushed down the grand staircase, heart racing, adrenaline fueling my every step, still on my pajamas and no footwear.

By the time I reached the garden, the hem of my pajamas was soaked and clinging to my legs. I grabbed a roll of plastic wrap and a nylon sheet from the gardening shed, shielding them under my shirt as I bolted back into the rain.

With trembling fingers, I began covering each plant, the raindrops needling my skin and the cold turning my hands numb.

The rain was too hard on the roses, it had uprooted some of them. But the lavender still stood still, but slightly bent. I didn't have time to tend to them again, so the plastic wrap will do justice for now. When the rain stops, I'll come back down and tend to them.

"Just a few more," I whispered to myself, securing the plastic wrap over the last of the lilies. My hair clung to my face, soaked through, and my teeth began to chatter, but I didn’t stop until every single flower was protected.

Drenched and shivering, I trudged back toward the mansion. The warmth of the interior hit me like a soft hug, but it did little to erase the chill in my bones. Goosebumps were already on my skin, with my teeth jittering together.

As I reached the hallway, I paused, catching sight of a figure by the staircase.

Nikolai.

He stood in his usual dark suit, I've never seen in nothing less than dark suit and official wears. He held in his hand a steaming mug of coffee in hand.

His piercing gaze swept over me, lingering for a moment too long. Something flickered in his eyes, surprise, maybe? Or was it irritation? I couldn't tell. It's always hard to read his expressions.

Without a word, he turned to the maid nearby and made a subtle gesture, that I could still hear. "Get her a warm towel to wrap herself up with." He said and the maid nodded.

The maid disappeared and returned moments later with two large towels. She rushed over to me, gently wrapping one around my shoulders and handing me the other one to wrap my damp hair.

"Thank you," I said, breathless, looking at him.

He didn’t say a word.

He just walked past me, coffee in hand, his expression unreadable as always. I watched him go, my throat tightening slightly. Whatever that moment was, it disappeared the second he turned away. He could have at least answered my appreciation.

I sighed and wrapped the towel tighter around myself, wiping the water from my face and hair. And wrapped the other one over my head, covering my damp hair.

Maybe I was foolish for thinking that moment meant something. It didn’t. Nothing did when it came to Nikolai Voss. He just does what suits him best.

Dragging my soaked self upstairs, I peeled out of the towel and then the wet pajamas and stepped into a hot shower.

The water helped melt the cold from my bones, and slowly, my thoughts shifted from Nikolai to what today would bring. His relatives were arriving this evening. A dinner had been planned, and Della had emphasized how important it was to make a good impression.

If Nikolai hates me, I needed his family to love me. Maybe that could make him change his heart, maybe. I laughed at my thoughts.

I didn’t know what they’d expect from me, the woman who had stood in for Rhea, or if they even knew I was taking Rhea's place.

The woman who married their nephew, uncle, or cousin, a stranger by all accounts. I could only hope to play the part well enough not to stir up more disdain. They don't need to know about Nikolai and I "malice" way.

After drying off and getting dressed in a light cream blouse and soft jeans, I made my way downstairs to the dining room where breakfast was already being served.

Della greeted me with a warm smile. “Morning, dear. How are you feeling? I heard you ran out under the rain to save your garden, is that true?”

“Much better now, and yes I did. They heavy rain would have destroyed them all if I didn't save them.” I replied honestly, taking a seat. “The rain woke me up, and I had to rush to cover the plants. I had just planted the roses and lavender you gave to my yesterday.”

“You could have had a made do it for you, you didn't need to run outside that way,” she said, concern flitting across her expression. “You could’ve caught a cold! But I understand. You’ve done a beautiful job with that garden. It shows how much you care. But next time, have one of the maids do it for you.” She said and I nodded.

I blushed slightly, murmuring my thanks as a maid served me toast and eggs. Nikolai was nowhere in sight, and for once, I felt relieved.

“I also wanted to ask if I could help in the kitchen today, I don't have anything doing today so I wouldn't mind assisting.” I added between bites.

Della raised an eyebrow. “Help in the kitchen?”

“Yes,” I nodded. “With the dinner prep for Nikolai's guest. I think it’s important to contribute. Besides, it might help calm my nerves.”

She smiled, clearly touched. “That’s very thoughtful, Kate. The staff will appreciate the help. And I’m sure Nikolai and his family will too.”

After breakfast, I tied my hair back and made my way to the kitchen. The staff were already bustling with energy, preparing everything from traditional European dishes to more modern fare.

I rolled up my sleeves and joined in, one of the chef handed me a hair net to help protect my hair. I wore it over my head and started helping chop vegetables, fold napkins, and set the large oak dining table we didn't use with the finest china and silk table clothes.

The air was thick with spices and the aroma of roasted meat. Someone put on soft instrumental music in the background, lightening the atmosphere. I found comfort in the rhythm of the work.

It gave me something to focus on, something other than the evening that loomed ahead. It felt so good to be joining them, they hummed and laughed and talked. They all had smiles on their faces, Della included.

They looked like a little family, cooking and having fun. It felt so peaceful and nerve calming.

Nikolai appeared briefly in the afternoon, issuing instructions to the staff, his tone firm and efficient. His eyes brushed over me once but didn’t linger. It was as if I wasn’t even there. And maybe that was better.

I carried on regardless, smiling at the chefs, laughing softly when a younger maid dropped a spoon, and making sure the floral centerpiece for the table was symmetrical. Having Nikolai's family over looked like a big deal to everyone.

Della checked in later and clasped my hands in hers. “Thank you, dear. You’ve really helped ease the day. Go rest for a bit now and get ready. They’ll be here soon.”

I nodded and excused myself upstairs. As I ascended, I glanced toward the east wing where Nikolai’s study was. The door was shut. I didn’t want to see him.

Back in my room, I selected a soft mauve gown with lace sleeves. It wasn’t extravagant, but it felt elegant and appropriate. As I stood before the mirror, slipping in pearl earrings and applying a light gloss, I took a deep breath.

No matter what happened tonight, I would hold my head high. I wasn’t Rhea, and I didn’t pretend to be. I was just Kate, the girl who wore mind blowing and epic murder mysteries and tends to her garden, the girl trying her best in a life she hadn’t chosen.

I just needed to be that girl.