Once on board the plane, Roo was still basking in bliss.
He sliced apples for Rosemary, holding her close, feeding her piece by piece.
As she listened to him reminisce about his childhood, Rosemary learned of the strict upbringing he endured as the heir to his family’s fortune — enduring hardships and witnessing the cutthroat nature of high society.
Feuds were commonplace among the elite; siblings turned against each other, and marriages fell apart — all in the na of competition.
From vying for attention as children to battling for wealth as adults, if direct confrontation failed, they resorted to underhanded tactics.
And then, there was the endless one-upmanship — from comparing spouses and children to flaunting designer clothes and extravagant parties.
Having seen it all, and surrounded by people who were either deferential or fawning, Roo never knew true intimacy until he t Rosemary.
He looked down at the girl snuggled in his arms, his eyes softened as he continued to feed her.
"You’ve never really talked about your childhood."
Rosemary dredged up her mories.
"Do you rember when we first t? You took out to La Belle Vie, with its retractable roof for stargazing? That night reminded of those days I spent as a kid."
Rosemary uttered blandly,
"When I was young, Attlee and Olga were always busy, and it was Grannie Grace who spent countless nights with . Those star-filled evenings were just like that night we had dinner. Attlee and Olga never prepared any surprises for . It wasn’t until I returned to the Collins family that I discovered how naturally and freely family can express their love.
"Attlee and Olga didn’t even have ti to be with , let alone take outside to play. It was you who took to the biggest amusent park in Sumrfield, allowing to relive my childhood."
Roo chuckled, reminiscing.
"Back then, to get closer to you, I rode the carousel with you on the sa horse, and we took so many photos that I’ve kept on my phone. And during that haunted house visit, there were those ’assassins’ after ."
"Those goons were no match for you," Rosemary said. She had been baffled at the ti, wondering where those people got the nerve to take the job.
Roo talked with her about the past until she fell asleep in his arms. He gently carried her to her room and tucked her in.
The plane soon landed at Reflections Villa.
Serena hadn’t quite made her mark when she saw Roo’s plane arrive, feeling a twinge of jealousy.
"My darling, you’re finally back."
Louisa hadn’t seen her beloved daughter for days and embraced her tightly.
"How was your stay with your uncle and aunt? Settling in alright?"
"They were so kind to , and my grandparents adored ," Rosemary replied obediently. "The als were always to my liking."
Louisa’s affection for her grew with her docile deanor.
"Your aunt has been singing your praises! We wouldn’t have known that you are the one who founded the Ar-Bl-Clear Group if it wasn’t for her. You’re juggling so much; these years must have been exhausting."
"Roo’s here too."
Kenneth smiled, patting Roo’s shoulder.
"Thanks for bringing Rose ho. I heard from Bard that you went out of your way to Dawnstar for Rose. Good lad. It eases my mind knowing she’s under your care."
"It’s no trouble at all. I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring Rose back," Roo replied politely.
"You must stay for dinner tonight," Kenneth insisted warmly. "Rose was new to Dawnstar, a stranger in town, but luckily you were there. Anyway, let’s not chat out here in the cold. Let’s go inside."
"Yes, let’s head inside, Roo. I’ve got so snacks and drinks ready for you guys. Co on in," Louisa said warmly, linking arms with Rosemary as they walked, chatting with Roo about their mories in Dawnstar and reminding Rosemary to check in with her uncle.
The coffee table was adorned with an assortnt of pastries, coffee, and tea.
"Rose, your mom made all these. They might not look like much, but I’ve tasted them, and they’re pretty decent," Kenneth said with a smile, picking up a plate of the best-looking lemon bars and presenting them to Roo and Rosemary. "Give them a try."
"And we’ve got so lavender shortbread too!"
Louisa reached for another plate of treats. But before she could bring it over, Kenneth intercepted,
"Let the kids try the lemon bars first."
"Why not let them try the shortbread too?"
"They can have a piece later on."
"They could have a bite of the lemon bars and then the shortbread. It won’t hurt."
"There’s no rush."
Despite Kenneth’s cheerful deanor, Rosemary could tell from his expression that the lavender shortbread might not be up to par.
"Then how about trying my rose puffed pastry?"
Louisa brought over another plate of sweets.
Once again, Kenneth took over, saying,
"Let them finish the lemon bars first, no hurry. Roo, Rose, how are they? The texture’s alright, isn’t it?"
Rosemary found the treat a bit tough to swallow but nodded anyway.
"Sure."
Roo also offered praise.
"Delicious, with a unique twist from Mrs. Collins."
"Really? I managed to put a personal spin on lemon bars?"
Louisa’s joy was evident, and she didn’t forget to serve her homade fruit tea.
"Try this. I cut every piece of fruit myself. See if it’s to your liking."
"She’s been a bit idle at ho these days and stumbled upon so videos on her phone about moms getting creative with their kids’ als. She felt like she wasn’t doing enough for her kids, so she’s been experinting with recipes, turning everyone at ho into guinea pigs," Kenneth explained.
So of the staff had initially suffered so digestive repercussions — better left unsaid.
Rosemary took a sip of the fruit tea and almost choked. She nodded.
"It’s not bad. There’s still room for improvent."
Louisa looked expectantly at Roo.
After taking a sip, Roo finally understood the expression Rosemary had earlier. He chuckled.
"It’s quite the lange — distinctive and refreshing."
"Really?" Louisa took a sip herself. "At first, I thought sothing was off."
"Maybe there’s a bit too much lemon."
All three said in unison, then glanced at each other. Kenneth quickly smoothed things over.
"It must be that the recipe writer didn’t specify the exact quantity to use."
"But they did. They said one slice of lemon was enough. I just thought Rose loved lemon water, so I added a bit more."
Rosemary was touched that her mother rembered her preferences, her gaze softening once more.
"Rose, from now on, I will make you delicious food more often."
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