FRAMED BY DESTINY

AN INVITATION

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Kingsley Mansion, bathing the marble floors in a soft golden glow.

Elara hummed quietly as she arranged fresh flowers in a crystal vase for Mrs. Victoria's breakfast table.

It had become part of her morning routine.

Bella smiled as she watched her from the kitchen doorway.

"You know..."

Elara looked up. "What?"

Bella folded her arms. "You've completely changed this house."

Elara blinked in confusion. "I have?"

Bella nodded. "The staff smile more Mrs. Victoria laughs more."

She leaned closer and whispered dramatically, "Even Mr. Grumpy has become...slightly less grumpy."

Elara laughed. "You mean Alexander?"

Bella nodded enthusiastically. "I've worked here for eight years. I've never seen him hesitate before speaking."

"But these days...He keeps looking like he's fighting with himself."

Elara's smile faded slightly. "I think you're imagining things."

Bella shrugged. "Maybe."

Before Elara could reply, footsteps echoed through the hallway.

Liam.

He walked into the dining room wearing a simple black shirt and jeans instead of his usual business clothes.

Mrs. Victoria looked surprised. "Aren't you going to college today?"

Liam smiled. "I took the day off."

Victoria raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"I deserve a break."

Bella quietly nudged Elara with her elbow.

Elara frowned."What?"

Bella only grinned.

Liam walked over to the dining table before smiling warmly at Elara.

"Morning, Lara."

"Good morning."

"Did you sleep well?"

She nodded. "I did."

"Good."

Alexander entered the dining room just in time to hear their conversation.

His gaze landed on Liam. "You're not going to college?"

Liam shook his head. "Nope."

Alexander frowned. "You're sick?"

"I'm perfectly healthy."

"Then why?"

Liam smiled casually. "I have other plans today."

Alexander simply nodded and took his seat.

Breakfast was unusually quiet.

Mrs. Victoria chatted happily with Bella while Elara focused on eating.

Every now and then... Alexander found himself glancing toward Elara.

Each time...She was either talking quietly to Mrs. Victoria or smiling at something Bella said.

She still avoided looking at him.That bothered him more than he wanted to admit.

After breakfast...Everyone began leaving the dining room.

"Lara."

Elara turned.

Liam smiled. "Can we talk for a minute?"

She nodded. "Of course."

Alexander slowed his steps without realizing it.

Mrs. Victoria and Bella exchanged knowing looks before walking away.

Liam rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly

"So...I wanted to ask you something"

Elara smiled. "What is it?"

"I was thinking...You've barely seen anything outside this mansion"

She nodded. "That's true."

"So...Would you like to go out with me this afternoon?"

Elara blinked "Go out?"

"Just as friends.I'll show you around the city.We could have lunch, Visit the bookstore maybe grab some ice cream."

"No pressure."

Elara hesitated.She had never really gone out since arriving at the mansion.

It actually sounded nice.

Before she could answer... A deep voice interrupted.

"She can't."

Both of them turned.

Alexander stood a few feet away.His expression was unreadable.

Liam frowned. "And why not?"

Alexander answered without hesitation. "Mom may need her."

Elara quickly spoke. "Mrs. Victoria has a charity meeting today she told me this morning."

Alexander went silent.

Liam smiled slightly "So...that means she's free."

Alexander looked at Elara.He was waiting quietly.For some reason...

He wanted to tell her not to go.

But what reason could he possibly give?None. Absolutely none.

He clenched his jaw. "Do whatever you want."

With that, he turned and walked away.

Liam looked after him before chuckling softly.

"Your brother is.. interesting." Elara smiled awkwardly.

"I don't think he likes me very much."

Liam's smile faded. "Don't worry about Alex.He is difficult with everyone."

Then he looked at her hopefully. "So...is that a yes?"

Elara smiled. "I'd love to."

Liam's face lit up. "Great."

"We go at two."

As they walked away discussing where to go...Neither of them noticed Alexander standing upstairs on the balcony.

He had heard everything. Every single word.His eyes followed them as they laughed together.

For the first time...He wasn't angry.He was afraid.

Afraid that every moment Liam spent with Elara...Was another chance for her heart to choose someone else.

He closed his eyes and muttered quietly,

"What have I done?"