THE HOUSE OF EVERMORE

COFFEE SHOP

CHAPTER ONE

COFFEE SHOP.

Elmore likes coffee the same way she likes her silence and quiet moments, for her sitting in a coffee shop in the early hours of the morning and watching people roam the street feels like another way of communicating with the beauty of nature without stress or pressure.

It's a Monday morning, of course, she always slays the old money elegant look every time, every day. She would always say fashion is art and she is a rare masterpiece. Dressed in a pepper red kimono, matching blazer, and pants paired with a white camisole, her limited edition crocodile Birkin bag sits pretty on the counter, matching minimal jewelry around her neck, wrist, and ear.

She sat close to the counter, finger wrapped loosely around her phone, watching the steam curl lazily from the espresso machine behind the counter. It has always been one of her favorite scenes in the coffee shop. She could wait all day if it meant sitting there, feeling at peace without doing anything. The barista had already called on her to take her coffee but she sat there unbothered.

Finally, she reached out to grab her coffee, but before she got to touch the coffee cup, another hand had already grabbed it from behind. A masculine hand, a rare scent hit her nose, her spine stiffened, instinct screaming quietly in her head. When her gaze finally lifted, it collided with his, a charming man, wow, a gorgeous lady.

Stuart finally broke the gaze.

Sorry, I will definitely take you on a coffee date if we ever cross paths again in the future, he dropped a pound note on the counter and stormed away, not looking back once. Elmore sat there without knowing how to process what just happened all she knew was that she just met the world's most handsome man. Elmore knowing her kind of person, she knew she wasn't the type to be swayed by a man's look and had to accept the fact that she was actually impressed by this particular man's looks and aura.

It was almost past 9 before she got to the Yates manor. The Yates manor, an ancient castle structure, filled with lots of light and different ancient artifacts from different angles, a place where glamour collides with luxury from the old time, without being told one could see the age of the manor from the ambiance of the entrance, people often call it the “Garden of Eden” on earth truth be told that was the only suitable name that matches the age and beauty of the Yates manor.

Elmore had lived in the Yates manor ever since she was a baby, given the fact that her father, Bruce Williams, who had been working in the Yates manor as the head steward even before she was born, Yates manor was her home. People from afar thought she was related to the Yates or maybe an illegitimate grandchild of the Yates, though rumor has it that Hale Yates has an illegitimate child, but no one or the media could prove it. Over the years, there hasn't been any public or private appearance of the illegitimate child; the rumor became something that was never talked about till this day.

As she entered the study room, only Grandma Lily Yates was seen, standing close to the floor-to-ceiling window, her shoulders relaxed, her gaze fixed on one spot, her eyes as sharp as a laser spark; she had no expression on her face. So it was hard to figure out what was going on in her mind. She just stood there with so much grace and poise, the couture she was wearing made her look more elegant and sophisticated. Though Grandma Lily was in her late 60s, she still looked very strong and vibrant, one could think she just turned 60 or was in her late 50s.

Grandma she called out, with a warm smile. Something about Grandma Lily had always made Elmore miss her mother less, maybe because she died when she was 3, besides, Elmore never knew her mother well; she was still a toddler. Grandma Lily never made her feel like she didn't have a mother. Oh! My dearest child, you look amazing as always. Grandma, you seem very joyful today. Is there something I should know? Elmore looked at Grandma Lily closely. Yes, my child. Stuart is finally home, I can't believe my dearest grandson has been away for over 27 years of his life, Ivy dear, deep down I feel very guilty, I should have fought for him long before now, he might be home but I know in his heart here doesn't feel like home to him, I really failed him, one could see vividly how hurt Grandma Lily was. But not to judge she was only protecting Stuart and the whole family. Elmore hugged Grandma Lily lightly whispering to her ear, Mammamia you know you can't change the past but one thing is certain we protect the present and work towards the future, Stuart's finally home and his not going anywhere, it's left for you to make it up to him in the best way you can, I believe he knows that every decision you made was for his own good, I'm sure he loves you just as much as you love him. Grandma Lily felt so light and comforted with Elmore's words. Oh! My dearest child, you always have a way to warm my heart. Thank you for being such a good girl grandma Lily complimented her. Oh! Mamma mia, you know I will always be your sweet little girl Elmore said, smiling. Over the years, Grandma Lily had always wished that Elmore were her biological granddaughter.

Ghrrrrrrr ghrrrrrr the ringing sound of the intercom was heard, ma'am everyone has assembled in the living room a voice from the other end said. Alright, I will be there in a jiffy Grandma Lily says.

The door opens as Grandma Lily walks in, while Elmore follows her behind. Everyone was sitting quietly, pin-drop silence filled the air, even without being told, one could feel the tension and so many unspoken words that lingered in the hall-sized living room.

Edgar Hale Yates sat at the end of the living room almost unnoticed, his handsome face as charming and expressionless as always, without being told, you feel his poise, a well-calculated, politically correct, and polished young man. His well-ironed tuxedo eludes a strong aura that is unmatched.

Carol Yates sat close to her eldest son Edgar, a very refined, eloquent woman in her mid-40s, her gaze was cold, yet fierce, her looks demanding yet distant. The big fascinator that sat pretty on her head has already said it all, she is the type that doesn't make noise yet her sounds are heard all over the room.

At the other end was Laura Yates Von-Dickson, a graceful, luminous, elegant woman, naturally beautiful, her all-white outfit already said a lot about her; her gaze was calm, something about her felt warm and at the same time dangerous.

Claire Von-Dickson sat together with Joel Hale Yates on the same cushion. Claire seemed joyful, while Joel sat there unbothered. He paid more attention to his phone than to his environment.

Hale Yates sat in his wheelchair blankly. Something about him felt off. His expression wasn't something one could easily understand. Was he lost in thought?

Was he bothered about what might unfold in the future between his 3 sons? Is he worried that Stuart might not acknowledge him ?.

Everyone could see Lyla Ambers from where she sat, sophisticated yet soft, her eyes shone bright, deep yet filled with intention. She was more like a gentle dove with a little touch of an eagle. Her presence felt timeless, the delicate gray couture she wore made her look exclusive and alluring, and it felt like she aged backward. A woman in her mid 40s; she looks like she could be Elmore's immediate elder sister.

As Grandma Lily Yates sat down on her throne-like chair, she demanded, “Where is Stuart?”?.