Chapter 311: An outing
"At least he could have sent a goodbye before leaving," Venus murmured, disheartened, upon hearing from her mother that Odin had left early in the morning when she was soundly sleeping. He left not a single ssage for her.
"He always saw you as an enemy, not a friend. That’s why it happened," her inner voice whispered cynically.
Venus wondered why she even cared. She knew Odin’s true nature well enough. He never believed in welcoming or bidding farewell to those he didn’t consider close.
"Venus, why are you plucking weeds?" Rhea’s voice interrupted her thoughts. Venus lifted her head, squinting against the bright sun. Her hat had slipped down to her nape, revealing her disheveled hair.
Rhea hurried over and helped her to her feet, her expression bewildered. "Look at your arms and face! You’ve gotten dirt all over yourself," she exclaid with concern.
Venus brushed off her clothes and smiled faintly. "I’ll bathe soon. I was bored in the house, so I thought I’d do so gardening. Now that the rainy season is over, the weather is so pleasant," she explained.
"It is. But you aren’t supposed to do such chores," Rhea proclaid, her tone firm yet gentle. "Let’s go inside. I have a plan for us," she added, offering a reassuring smile.
"Where are we going?" Venus asked eagerly as they began walking toward the house.
"Outside for a tea session," Rhea asserted confidently.
Venus hesitated, glancing at her mother with uncertainty. "Are you sure you want to take
outside with you?" she inquired.
"Yes," Rhea replied without hesitation. "I am not afraid of anyone. You are my daughter, and no one can change that fact," she said with a warm smile, squeezing Venus’s hand reassuringly.
"Mother, but, I don’t want anyone to–"
"No one will," Rhea pronounced with a confident tone as she slowly ca to a halt. "Venus, you did nothing wrong, except for a few things for which you were already punished. Alora chose to forgive you, to give you a second chance and you’ve changed. I’ve seen myself. As your mother, I don’t want my daughter to stay in the house all the ti. So, go and get ready," she encouraged Venus.
She hugged her mother tightly and shut her eyes. "Mother, forgive
for always giving you pain. I never understood your words before. I’m so grateful to have you," Venus said, the edges of her eyes turned wet.
Rhea caressed Venus’s back gently. After a mont, Venus pulled away and said, "I’ll co to the living room after getting ready." She walked inside, leaving Rhea to head to her bedroom to retrieve her pouch bag.
Norman was seated in a chair, engrossed in reading a parchnt. "Where are you going, dear?" he asked, lowering the parchnt to gaze at his wife.
"Outside for a gathering with my friends. Everyone will bring their daughters, so I’ve decided to take Venus with ," Rhea replied with a determined smile.
A crease appeared on Norman’s forehead at the ntion of Venus attending the gathering. "Do you think it’s wise to take her out with you?" he questioned, his voice tinged with concern.
"My Lord, I understand what worries you," Rhea began, her voice steady and resolute. "But we can’t let Venus stay in the house all the ti. She needs to co out of her past to grow into her future. I don’t care anymore what others say behind our backs. All I want is what’s best for our daughter."
Norman humd in agreent, though his brow remained furrowed. "Even I have to go outside for so work," he said after a mont.
"What is it? Is everything okay?" Rhea asked, concern creeping into her voice.
"Yes, everything is fine. I need to et so farrs. They’ve suffered because of the torrential rain this ti, and they need assistance. I’ll be back by evening," Norman explained.
"Alright. Then I shall send you off first. Venus and I will go later," Rhea opined, her mind already planning the logistics.
Norman shook his head. "No, I will leave an hour later. Don’t delay your tea session because of ," he insisted.
Rhea nodded at her husband and took her leave. She waited patiently in the living room for Venus, her mind racing with thoughts about the upcoming outing. Finally, her wait ended as Venus appeared, adorned in a simple gown, her hair neatly brushed and her face glowing with a touch of anticipation.
"You look lovely, my dear," Rhea said warmly, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Are you ready to go?"
Venus smiled shyly. "Yes, Mother. I’m ready."
"Good. Let’s have a wonderful ti together," Rhea said, linking her arm with her daughter as they headed out the door, ready to face the world together.
Reaching the grand mansion of her friend, who was none other than the wife of the current High Chancellor, Rhea and Venus alighted from the carriage. The guard led them through the ornate entrance and down a beautifully manicured path to the garden, where the necessary arrangents had been made for the gathering.
"Lady Rhea! I thought you might not be coming since you were running late. I’m so happy to see you," said the lady of the house, Lorraine Whitney. They embraced warmly before Lorraine glanced at Venus.
"You look beautiful, dear," Lorraine complinted Venus, who responded with a graceful curtsy.
"Thank you, Mrs. Whitney," Venus replied, offering a small, polite smile.
Lorraine ushered them to their seats and assured them that the pleasantries would be served shortly. "I’ll attend to the other guests," she said with a smile before walking away to greet others.
Venus felt a wave of relief wash over her; she hadn’t noticed any odd or judgntal stares directed her way. It was a small but significant comfort.
"Venus, stay here. Mrs. Lawrence is calling . I’ll be back soon," Rhea said, squeezing her daughter’s hand before leaving her seat to speak with another guest.
Venus looked around, taking in the elegant surroundings, when a plate of cupcakes was set before her on the table. She picked one up, admiring the delicate frosting, and took a small bite. Just as she savored the sweet taste, she sensed soone standing in front of her. She lifted her gaze and found Lorraine’s daughter standing there.
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