Three Days Of Breathing
The Reeve mansion was unusually quiet that morning. No staff bustling outside their doors, no phones ringing in the distance, no tension humming through the hallways. For once, everything felt...still.
They had been given three days off. A rare gesture, offered by Killian's grandfather after the intensity of the press conference and family dinner. Whether it was a true reprieve or simply a brief lull in the storm, Elara didn't know. But she intended to make the most of it.
Elara stood in the grand foyer, a silk scarf draped around her shoulders, waiting for the rest of the household. Her soft cream blouse fluttered slightly when the morning breeze slipped through the open doors.
"You're not backing out now,are you?" Lily's voice came from behind, light and teasing as she rushed down the stairs.
Elara turned, smiling at the girl's bright enthusiasm. "Wouldn't dream of it. I already promised you a full day."
Lily beamed, looping her arm through Elara's. "You're the first person in this house who actually keeps promises."
"I take those seriously," Elara said warmly.
Killian came next, dressed in dark jeans and a fitted navy sweater, looking mildly out of place without his usual crisp suit and cufflinks. "You're really taking this outing seriously."
"You said three days of normal," Elara reminded him. " This is normal."
Asher followed behind, quiet as always, but offered Elara a polite nod. He wore a dark green button-down and black jeans.
The four of them climbed into the SUV waiting outside, and the car pulled away from the estate gates.
Their destination was a scenic lakeside promenade Lily had begged them to visit - small cafés, vintage shops, and a boat rental dock nestled among the trees. The drive was filled with light banter and snippets of music from Lily's playlist.
"Do you even know how to swim, Elara?" Lily asked as they passed a glittering stream.
"I do," Elara replied with a chuckle.
"Though I haven't in years."
"You'll have to race me."
"You're on."
They arrived by late morning. The lakeside shimmered under the golden sun, and a soft breeze stirred the willow trees. Children laughed in the distance,and the scent of cinnamon pastries wafted from the nearby bakery.
Elara and Lily made a beeline for the ice cream cart while Killian and Asher trailed behind at a measured pace.
They rented two paddle boats, Lily insisting on riding with Elara while the Reeve brothers shared the second.
"Try not to crash into us," Lily shouted at her brother, splashing water in his direction.
"I make no promises," Killian deadpanned.
Elara laughed - a real one - her head tilted back as the sun caught the strands of her hair. She had almost forgotten what it felt like to be carefree, even if only for a few hours.
Back on land, they wandered through a cozy row of shops. At a vintage bookstore, Elara and Asher found themselves quietly browsing the same poetry shelf.
"You read French?" He asked, holding up a weathered copy of Les Fleurs du mal.
"A bit. I grew up with borrowed books and a lot of time."
"You're hard to figure out," he said, not unkindly.
"I think I'm still figuring myself out."
Killian, from a distance, glanced between them. He said nothing, but something in his jaw tensed.
The rest of the afternoon passed gently- strolling, laughing, and sharing small bites from café stands. Asher and Lily picked wildflowers from a stall, Elara bought a hand-painted journal, and Killian carried their bags with silent ease.
By the time they returned to the Reeve estate, twilight had settled like a soft blanket over the hills. The staff had prepared a light dinner, but they ate in a smaller, more intimate dining room, the conversation easy, without the weight of expectation.
After the meal, Lily hugged Elara tight. "Tomorrow, we're painting the garden wall. You're mine all morning."
Elara smiled. "I look forward to it."
Killian lingered behind. When their eyes met, something unspoken passed between them.
"A quiet day," she murmured.
"One of few," he replied.
No more words were needed.