NovelEnglishChapter 209 Montgomery Manor Mila spent the entire day at the old manor, staying close to her mother-in-law, Felicity, accompanying her in everything she did. They chatted, laughed, and painted together.
Felicity was a renowned artist, known especially for her breathtaking landscape and animal paintings. Her works were so vivid and dynamic that they seemed to transport viewers directly into the scenes she depicted.
In the spacious studio, the white curtains swayed gently in the breeze, and sunlight streamed through the glass. Amidst this serene backdrop, two vibrant and graceful women sat at the center of the room. Before them stood an easel with a rectangular canvas, where shades of white, gray, and black cto life under Felicity's brush. Mila watched quietly as Felicity painted with concentration. Before long, a winter landscape emerged on the canvas-a lonely, Western-style turret standing amidst a barren forest. The leafless trees were filled with nests, and numerous crows perched on the branches, their wings poised as if ready to take flight.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAs Mila's gaze dropped to the corner of the canvas, she noticed a single crow lying lifeless in the snow, its dark eyes staring into the gray-white sky. The painting captured a delicate balance between vitality and melancholy. Mila instinctively furrowed her brow. She understood art, and her skills and intuition rivaled many. She could easily discern the emotions and struggles behind each painting. Over the years, Mila had thought Felicity's state had improved significantly—she laughed, played, and maintained a rare childlike purity for her age. It was hard for anyone meeting her for the first tto imagine that this beautiful, gentle woman had battled years of depression.
Yet, Felicity's artwork remained unchanged. The fine line between life and oppression revealed a persistent struggle.
"Mom, your animals always look so alive," Mila remarked, her fingers hovering over the canvas where the crow lay, tracing its form in the air. "Why not try painting people?" Felicity had such a gift for capturing life, yet Mila had never seen her mother-in-law paint a human figure. She had been curious for a long time.
Felicity gently set down her brush and gazed at the crow in her painting, a soft smile gracing her lips. "I never understood people, so I could never paint them." Mila was taken aback. She hadn't expected this reason. Just as she was about to speak, Felicity took her hand, which felt slightly cool to the touch.
"It's been a while since you've stayed. Why not spend a few extra days here with me, keepcompany?" Felicity asked.
"Of course," Mila agreed naturally.
Lately, with Adrian away from home, Mila found solace in the old manor, avoiding being alone with Lysander and savoring the extra twith Felicity. She knew this opportunity to converse with her mother-in-law would be scarce once she left for abroad.
That evening, the dining table was occupied only by the in-laws and Mila. During dinner, Lysander occasionally placed food on Mila's plate, much to Felicity's delight and satisfaction. In front of her mother-in-law, Mila did not refuse and ate a little.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmWhen bedtarrived, at Mila's suggestion and with Felicity's desire for her company, the two women left the men behind and retreated to a single bedroom to chat into the night.
Conrad, standing outside the bedroom, shot a glare at his son before huffing off to the ques£rbbm. Lysander could only smile wryly as the grand villa gradually darkened, lights flickering off one by one, leaving the night in peaceful silence. However, in the early hours, the sharp ring of a phone shattered the tranquility in one of the bedrooms. Lysander picked up the phone from the bedside table.
No sooner had he connected the call than Mrs. Harvey's breathless sobbing filled the line, accompanied by the shrill cries of a child in the background.
The sound was so piercing that it hurt his eardrums, prompting om Lysander to pull the phone away slightly. Mrs. Harvey, please calm down. What happened? Can you pass the phone to someone nearby?"
Lysander spoke soothingly, trying to comfort her. Over the line, he heard Adrian's heart-wrenching sobs, "Dad, e Giselle-she, she accidentally fell.. fell down! No matter how much I call her... she won't wake up. I'm so scared..."
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