The tension in the garden hung thick, almost tangible, as Zhao Shi's eyes remained locked on the golden-haired figure. His senses were on high alert, every muscle in his body coiled and ready to spring into action if necessary.
The mysterious stranger, with his unsettling presence, had Zhao Shi's full attention, and he wasn't about to let his guard down.
Zhao Shi could feel the stranger's energy pulsating, a powerful force that sent shivers down his spine. He was prepared for anything, his protective instincts sharpened to a razor's edge.
But before the tension could escalate further, a calm voice cut through the air like a blade, effortlessly slicing through the unease.
"You certainly know how to make a dramatic entrance."
With a barely perceptible shift, he turned his head to see Spark lounging nonchalantly in the nearby gazebo. As usual, Spark's demeanor was unperturbed, his lips curled into a lazy smirk. The sight of Spark's seemingly indifferent attitude brought an unexpected wave of relief over Zhao Shi.
The stranger, now revealed as Reynold, stepped forward, allowing the oppressive aura he had exuded moments earlier to dissipate like morning fog under the rising sun.
The harshness in his energy mellowed, replaced by a familial warmth that caught Zhao Shi off guard.
As Zhao Shi took in Reynold's appearance fully, he recalled a painting he had seen in the Dwight mansion. It depicted Spark's family: a brother, a sister, and their parents. The man before him bore an unmistakable resemblance to Spark, making it clear that this was Reynold, Spark's elder brother.
Given that each sibling was seven years apart, the realization eased Zhao Shi's tense stance, though he remained on guard.
"Brother," Reynold greeted, his voice rich with warmth, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "It's unusual to find you in the garden."
Spark rolled his eyes and sank further into the cushioned seat of the gazebo.
"That's because of Mother," he replied with a dramatic sigh, his tone laced with feigned exasperation.
Reynold chuckled, the sound deep and resonant, a ripple of laughter that seemed to lift the lingering tension in the garden. He moved closer to the gazebo, his steps light, and his presence now radiated a comforting warmth. "You must have done something to get on her bad side."
"Do I?" Reynold raised an eyebrow, taking a deeper whiff of his shirt. "I don't notice it. No one in the association ever told me."
"That's because they're probably as nose-dead as you are," Spark said with a chuckle. "I doubt they notice anything. The whole association building probably smells like herbs."
Reynold paused, then let out a soft, amused chuckle.
"I suppose you're right," he admitted, his tone light-hearted despite the teasing. "But I'm your big brother. Can't you be a bit gentler with your words?"
"Gentle doesn't suit me," Spark replied with a smirk, his tone unapologetic.
Reynold laughed wryly, shaking his head. "I see nothing has changed. Still, the same sharp-tongued little brother I remember."
"And you're still the same workaholic who forgets basic hygiene," Spark shot back, though there was no real malice in his words, just the familiar banter between siblings who knew each other all too well.
Alice, who had been quietly observing the exchange with wide, curious eyes, quickly scurried over to Spark's side. Her small hand clutched the hem of his robe, seeking reassurance in his presence.
Reynold noticed the little girl's movement, his gaze shifting to Alice, who was peeking out from behind Spark's robe with a mixture of curiosity and shyness. Explore more at m,v l'e-novelhall.net
A warm smile spread across Reynold's face as he took in the sight of the child.
"And who might this be?" Reynold asked, his tone light as he crouched down slightly to get a better look at her.
Spark's gaze lingered on Alice for a moment, a flicker of hesitation in his usually composed expression. The question seemed to catch him off guard, his usual quick wit momentarily stalled.
"This is Alice," he finally said, his voice softening. "My da..."
Alice looked up at him expectantly, her eyes wide. "Da?"
"My daughter," Spark finished, the words coming out with a hint of hesitation, as if he was still getting used to the idea himself.