The maids and butler lingered at a distance from the table, adorned with sweets, sandwiches, and tea. The warm weather set a welcoming tone, making the delightful desserts even more tempting under the calm evening sunrise in the garden. A gentle breeze swept through, creating a serene atmosphere. The clicking sound of spoons cut through the intense silence enveloping the table.

Sipping his tea, Archibald, the eldest man exuded an air of calm wisdom. However, beneath the composed exterior, annoyance and irritation simmered. Hoping for a peaceful tea time with his beloved daughter, the unexpected presence of the man who had captured your heart irked him to the core. "Well, Duke Roderick, an unexpected guest today," the eldest remarked. Despite the calm tone, his words carried a subtle implication, hinting that the uninvited guest should consider leaving.

Seated beside you, Roderick subtly smirked beneath his covered lips as he held his tea cup. Placing the cup down carefully, he adjusted his posture and turned his gaze to you, expressing admiration. "I suppose your daughter likes to keep secrets from you. You know, between a man and a woman, a little secrecy is not uncommon," Roderick remarked. His tone lacked mockery, yet he, too, felt irritated by the elder's interference, consistently hindering private moments between you and him.

The tension thickened between them, mirroring the shifting colors of the clouds hinting at an impending rain. If you, the daughter, weren't present, they would never have exchanged words or locked eyes. Both harbored a mutual disdain for anyone attempting to take you away from them.