Chapter 3 Orange Orchard

Lydia stood out against the backdrop of the orange orchard. She wore a knee-length purple dress with delicate small flowers embroidered on the hem, resembling the soft shades of mangosteen peels. The dress had a crisp white collar that added a touch of elegance to her look. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, loose and flowing, since she had nothing to tie it with. In a moment of improvisation, she had borrowed Parker's handkerchief, securing her hair with it instead of a rubber band, creating a makeshift yet charming ponytail. The handkerchief, a simple piece of fabric, now held her hair together, adding a personal touch to her appearance.

Lydia followed closely behind Parker, her eyes tracing the broad expanse of his back. He was thirty-two now, but unlike the other men she knew, her "Uncle Parker" seemed to exude an effortless strength and maturity. His tall, commanding presence was emphasized by his attire: a fitted t-shirt layered beneath a plaid shirt, paired with dark jeans and high-top sneakers. The casual yet sturdy outfit hinted at the strong muscles that must lie beneath, making him appear even more powerful and undeniably attractive. Every step he took seemed to resonate with a quiet confidence, a man well in control of his world.

Lydia blinked, her mind momentarily tangled in its own thoughts. She couldn't quite comprehend why she was suddenly so aware of Parker in a way she had never been before. The realization left her feeling disoriented, as if the ground beneath her had shifted ever so slightly. It was strange, unsettling even, to notice these details about a man she had always seen as a trusted figure in her life.

No, he’s always been a kind-hearted ‘Uncle.’ Even though we’re not blood relatives, she has always respected him as an ‘uncle.’ For as long as she could remember, she shouldn't be thinking of him in any other way.

She reminded herself of that, but her eyes couldn’t help but linger on the tall, imposing figure in front of her. He stood with a stick in hand, directing the workers with an authoritative presence. His formidable aura made it clear that everyone respected him.

Parker invited Lydia to explore the work in the orange orchard. He figured she might want some space to reflect, so he didn’t press her to stay close. However, he could sense the workers' curious glances as they looked past him towards the back. Using his stern gaze, he scanned them, causing everyone to bow their heads in deference.

He shook his head and turned around, only to find Lydia's beautiful eyes fixed on him. He frowned at the unfamiliar expression on her face. With a slightly puzzled look, he approached her, having to stoop a bit due to his much taller stature.

“Are you tired, Lydia?” he asked, his voice gentle as he leaned down to her level.

Lydia shook her head quickly, regaining her composure. "No, it's not that. I’m just really amazed by the orchard. So much has changed here."

“Back then, my farm was just a few acres with livestock. But as time went on, I became more involved in agriculture. I switched to orange farming, and as the results proved successful, we gradually expanded our land until it became what you see today.”

“You’re truly talented,” Lydia said with genuine admiration. She had heard stories from her grandfather about how Parker had revived the nearly bankrupt Rung Arun Farm. Now, he was renowned throughout the northern region as the influential owner of the orange orchard.

He had come to negotiate the purchase of vacant land adjacent to his orchard from her grandfather, but the old man refused to sell. He insisted on keeping the land as a legacy for his granddaughter. Despite this, Parker didn't press the matter or use his influence to coerce the sale. Instead, he continued to visit the two elders regularly, maintaining a respectful relationship.

Parker noticed Lydia’s face was flushed and red from the heat. Understanding that she must be feeling hot, he took off the wide-brimmed hat he was wearing and placed it on her head. However, due to the difference in their head sizes, the hat slipped down and completely covered her face.

“Parker!” Lydia realized he was deliberately teasing her as he had when she was a child. She raised her voice and pushed up the brim of her hat. Her sparkling eyes tried to confront him, and despite the significant difference in height, she stood on her toes to argue. “Are you enjoying teasing me like this?!”

“No!” Parker shook his head, but a playful grin tugged at his lips as he watched her flustered expression. It reminded him of a moment from their childhood. He had placed a hat on her small, mischievous head, but it was so oversized and loose that it completely obscured her face. Lydia had tripped and fallen on her bottom, her frustration mounting. Instead of helping, Parker had laughed heartily, which only added to her irritation. In a fit of exasperation, she had thrown the hat at him and stormed off to complain to her grandfather. Her mischief hadn’t gone unpunished, though; her grandfather had scolded her for sneaking out without informing any of the adults.

The intimate gestures and shared laughter between them were rare and almost unheard of on the farm. The workers’ eyes widened in surprise at the scene. Master Parker, known for his stern demeanor, rarely showed such warmth. Despite numerous advances from women of all walks of life—whether from high society or influential families—Parker had always remained aloof and unyielding. His reputation for being a tough, unapproachable figure was well-earned.

The title "Master Parker" was anything but gentle.

The scene before them made the workers exchange furtive glances and murmur in hushed tones. They wondered who this young woman was. Could she be the future madam of Rung Arun Farm?

“Do you feel better now?” Parker asked, his gaze sweeping over her from head to toe. Little did he know that his intense scrutiny was causing her heart to flutter erratically. “You look better now. There’s some color back in your cheeks,” he observed, noting the renewed flush on her face.

Under the scrutiny of his dark eyes, Lydia felt an unfamiliar sensation. It wasn’t that she had never been close to him before; she used to ride on his shoulders for fun as a child. Yet now, she couldn’t quite articulate the feelings stirring within her.

The feelings she once had with 'Uncle Parker' were nothing like this. Even with Joe, such emotions were rare. She found herself instinctively shifting away from him, trying to make sense of the unfamiliar attraction.

Why did she suddenly find Parker so handsome and sexy? Was it because she had grown up and gained a deeper understanding of relationships? It was a stark contrast from the naive little girl who used to see him as just 'Uncle Parker.'

“Thank you. I feel much better now.” Lydia lowered her head, avoiding Parker's gaze, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and lingering warmth.

“Come this way,” Parker said, gesturing for her to follow him.

Lydia hesitated for a moment, staring at the hand extended before her. After a brief pause, she reached out and placed her hand in his. The warmth from his touch sent a surprising, soothing sensation through her. It was as though his hand had the power to calm the fluttering nerves and racing thoughts in her mind, though it did little to quell the tremors that still gnawed at her.

Parker led Lydia to a tricycle used for transporting farm produce. At the back, a cold storage tank was nestled, and he opened it to retrieve a bottle of freshly squeezed orange juice. Twisting off the cap, he handed it to Lydia. Without hesitation, she took the bottle and took a long, refreshing drink.

“It’s delicious!” Lydia exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she took another sip. She lifted the bottle to inspect it, clearly delighted by the refreshing taste.

“Freshly squeezed oranges from our own orchard,” Parker said with a wide smile. “I spent years developing this variety before finally getting something like this.”

“It’s the best.”

Lydia beamed, her smile so wide that it revealed the delicate arrangement of her white teeth. She took another gulp of the orange juice, savoring the natural sweetness and refreshing coolness that provided instant relief from the scorching sun.

Parker noticed a smudge of orange juice at the corner of Lydia's mouth. With a gentle, practiced hand, he took out a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed at the stain.

“If you like it, drink as much as you want. It’s perfect for cooling off,” Parker said with a smile. “On the way back, I’ll make sure someone takes some to Grandpa’s house as well.”

Hearing the mention of her grandfather, Lydia’s face fell slightly. She hadn't yet found the courage to tell her grandparents about her relationship with Joe. In her life, Lydia felt a deeper connection to her grandparents than to her own parents. The thought of potentially disappointing or upsetting them made her heart heavy.

“Don’t worry,” Parker said reassuringly. “I’ll go with you so you won’t have to face going home alone.” He reached out, gently taking her small hand in his for support.

“Thank you,” Lydia said, lifting her gaze to smile at him. Despite everything, she realized her life wasn’t so bleak. At least she still had Uncle Parker, who remained as kind and supportive as he had been when she was a child.

“Oh! It’s so hot. I could really drink up a cold bottle of orange juice.”

A man jumped off the back of a tricycle, followed by workers and pruning tools. Lydia straightened up and shook her head, trying to compose herself. Parker positioned his broad frame to shield her from the newcomers, but his efforts were in vain, as the person in question had already spotted them.

“Oh! Who is this beautiful girl?” the man said with a cheeky smile. “Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air must feel wonderful, I bet.”

“Huh?” Lydia turned to Parker, bewildered. His familiarity with her seemed odd. She was certain she had never met the man standing before her.

“This is Dr. Anan, a friend of mine from high school,” Parker explained with a hint of exasperation. “He’s on vacation and came here hoping for some free food and a place to stay.”

“Free food, you say? Yesterday, I was busy playing doctor and helping out some lovely women,” Anan laughed. “I’m Anan. No need to call me ‘Doctor,’ just Anan will do.”

“You can call him ‘Uncle,’” Parker said, his voice edged with irritation. “He’s as old as I am.” He glanced at Anan, clearly displeased that he was making light of the situation in front of him.

“Oh! If you want to be called ‘uncle’ just because you’re getting old, that’s your choice. But I’m not going to follow that path!” Anan said with a playful smirk, emphasizing his preference to stay youthful and casual.

Anan laughed heartily, clearly relishing the chance to tease his old friend. He was thoroughly amused by the sight of Parker, usually so stoic and unshakeable, flustered by the presence of a young woman. The contrast between Parker’s usual composure and the way he reacted to Lydia’s presence was pure entertainment for Anan. Not to mention, seeing Parker’s worried expression as he checked on Lydia only added to Anan’s amusement. It was a rare and satisfying opportunity to get back at his friend for all the mischief he’d endured over the years.

Finally, someone had made Parker’s heart tremble, but Anan was taken aback to discover it was a young, radiant woman far younger than Parker. He never expected that Parker, usually so composed, would be affected by someone so much younger. It surprised him that Parker's emotions were stirred by a girl, rather than a woman closer to his own age.

Lydia giggled, but she ultimately decided in her heart that she would stick with calling him ‘Doctor Anan.’

“Thank you for taking care of me,” Lydia said with a polite nod. Dr. Anan, slightly flustered, awkwardly lifted his hand in a half-hearted salute. He scratched his head, bemused by the fact that a young girl was showing him such respect, and wondered if he was truly old enough to be treated this way.

“Why are you letting this young lady stay out in the sun like this?” Anan said, shaking his head. “She’s just starting to recover. Being out here could make her fever return. It’s best she goes back to rest. Come on, we’ll head back together. I’m going to the lodging myself.”

Anan noticed the grimace on his friend’s face and couldn’t resist teasing him. He relished the chance to provoke someone who, despite his impressive status, was now just an “uncle” in this playful moment.

“Hey! ”

Parker shouted, swiftly swatting Anan’s hand away as it reached for Lydia. He hastily inserted himself between them, ignoring any semblance of etiquette as he took long, determined strides toward the house.

“What’s wrong with you, Master Parker?” Anan feigned seriousness. “You’re heading out to check the orchards and farm, yet you’re dragging someone who’s just recovering out into the sun?”

If you don't want to, don't watch it anymore !

Friends are friends, but Parker was deeply unsettled seeing the girl he cared about being flirted with so openly, even if it was just his friend teasing him. He had been waiting for this moment for a long time, determined not to let anyone else come and try to win her affection. Since becoming aware of Lydia's feelings, he had made a vow to himself: he would never let her slip away again.

“I’ll take Lydia back myself,” he said, his voice deep and curt.

Anan looked up and laughed heartily, clearly amused. He released the hand he had been holding up, enjoying every moment of his best friend's reaction.

Lydia glanced between the two: one wore a teasing smile, while the other’s expression was as serious as if he were preparing to face a fierce battle. Despite the evident tension, she noticed their closeness and managed to put on a small smile. However, the reason for their anger eluded her. To Lydia, Parker had always been kind and generous.

Parker took Lydia back to the house, every movement imbued with care and gentleness. There were only a few times when he had set aside his work on the farm, and she was the main reason for his heart’s devotion.

Out of sight of their master, the farm workers, who had been diligently working, paused and gathered in hushed clusters. They exchanged glances, their eyes darting between their master and the young woman with the sweet face, whispering various speculative guesses to one another.

Lydia blinked, feeling as though she were floating. She had almost forgotten what it was like to be cared for so attentively. Besides her grandparents, she rarely experienced such personal concern from anyone. Her memories of her parents were sparse; whenever they were together, it usually ended in arguments and, ultimately, divorce. She had witnessed her mother’s constant suffering. Even when her parents were newly married, their happiness was fleeting. It was one of the reasons her mother had sent her to live in a dormitory, far from home and from her new husband.

Lydia was certain that she wasn’t trying to be seductive, but for some reason, these situations always seemed to find her. She didn’t want to make a fuss about it, so she kept her feelings in check. When she was with Joe, he treated her with respect and kindness, never crossing any boundaries. His considerate behavior made her feel at ease and convinced her that he was the right person to spend her life with.

But in the end, it all fell apart. Perhaps she wasn’t meant for marriage, or maybe her life was destined to mirror her mother’s. The thought of her mother’s endless tears and suffering made Lydia bite her lip, trying to suppress her anguish.

No! She wouldn’t end up like her mother. She was determined to live a happy life, to embrace joy, and to be free of sorrow until her last breath.

“Are you feeling unwell, Lydia?” Parker’s deep voice interrupted her thoughts. She was so lost in her own reflections that she hadn’t noticed when he had entered the house.

She had lost track of what she was doing. Shaking her head vigorously, she hoped to dispel the pain that had plagued her. The hurt and disappointment had already stripped her of her self-esteem and shattered her hopes completely.

This was an unfamiliar feeling of weakness. Though she had always been strong and managed everything well, this was different.

Parker recognized the absent-minded expression on Lydia's face. Gently, he leaned in and pressed his forehead to hers, just as he used to when she was a child. It was a gesture meant to reassure her, a way of transferring a sense of strength and comfort from him to her.

“That man isn’t worth your tears,” he murmured, his voice deep and soothing, like a delicate thread weaving through her emotions. His warm breath gently brushed against her heart, offering comfort and reassurance.

Lydia closed her eyes, letting the warmth of his words and the tenderness of his touch envelop her. For a moment, she allowed herself to be carried away by the soothing comfort he offered.

She missed those childhood days when Parker would often comfort her in this way. Back then, she had always felt like the unloved child, neglected by her parents. The time she spent at the farm with Parker was her only true happiness during those early years. Grandpa would often say things she didn’t understand at the time, but as she grew older, she realized that his reluctance to let her get too close to the princess was his way of protecting her.

“Parker is not like us,” Grandpa used to say. “Our positions are different. If we get too close to him, people will think we're just trying to catch a rich man.”

Doctor Anan, who arrived later, saw the intimate scene between the two. Part of him was tempted to tease, but he feared the owner of the house might eject him for it. Instead, he wandered into the kitchen, searching for something to eat, though his eyes frequently darted back to the pair. Since becoming friends with Parker, he had never heard him speak of this woman. He wondered when such feelings had quietly developed. While he kept his thoughts to himself, he couldn't help but be intrigued by the unfolding connection.