Sebastian’s entrance into the grand banquet hall was met with applause and congratulations. The hall, lavishly decorated, glittered under the soft glow of chandeliers. As he scanned the room, familiar faces greeted him, but so did many unfamiliar ones.  

Despite knowing this event was held in his honor, he couldn’t shake the desire to be anywhere but here. If it were up to him, his eighteenth birthday would have been a quiet affair, far removed from this spectacle. 

But the world of obligation didn’t care for personal desires. 

Grand Duchess Ann approached, her presence immediately commanding attention. This was one of the rare occasions she attended an extravagant event—her first grandson’s milestone birthday being a notable exception. 

"Happy birthday, my dear," she said warmly, her eyes soft as they met Sebastian's. "I know your grandfather would be so proud of you today." 

“I hope so,” Sebastian said quietly, his voice barely rising above the polite chatter that surrounded them. “I’m not sure I’ve earned that yet.” 

His grandmother smiled knowingly, her fingers briefly brushing his cheek. “You will, Sebastian. In time. You’re not meant to carry everything all at once.” 

Earlier, she had gifted him a letter, written long ago by his late grandfather, the former Duke. 

When his grandfather had passed, he’d left Sebastian a few treasures in his will—the Lakehouse that had been the old Duke’s cherished retreat, and a small fortune, independent from the duchy, to support Sebastian in forging his own business interests if he chose to step away from his father’s shadow.  

Their bond had been deeper than the one Jonas shared with the former Duke. In many ways, it was the relationship his grandfather had always wanted with his own son but never quite had. Now, at the age of eighteen, Sebastian could legally gain full ownership and access to these assets, an inheritance imbued with trust and responsibility. 

Once again, Madeline had outdone herself. The banquet hall, which only months ago had hosted the closing banquet of the season, was visually transformed. It was a testament to the Duchess’s flair for grandeur and her deep love for her eldest son. The shimmering décor, the impeccably arranged seating, the opulent floral displays—everything spoke of an event designed to impress. 

As Sebastian mingled, acknowledging birthday greetings with polite nods and smiles, his eyes landed on Professor Frowde across the room. The professor offered him a small nod, standing slightly apart from the crowd that had gathered to swarm Sebastian. 

Just as he felt himself being drawn into yet another conversation, a familiar arm draped around his shoulders. 

"Just what I needed," Sebastian quipped, gratefully taking the drink Benjamin had snagged from a passing server. 

"Happy birthday, Your Lordship," Benjamin replied with a mock bow, clearly amused. They stood together, surveying the mingling guests. 

"Quite a turnout, Sebastian. You must be really popular," Benjamin teased. 

"What can I say?" Sebastian shot back with a grin before downing his drink in one go, earning a laugh from Benjamin. 

As they continued to chat, Rebecca appeared, handing Sebastian another glass. "Happy birthday, Sebastian," she said with a smile. He took the drink with a nod of thanks, but his mind was elsewhere.  

The evening was progressing smoothly, but there was one notable absence: Elena. Had his mother actually respected his wishes and disinvited her? The thought both relieved and unsettled him. 

His train of thought was interrupted by a light touch on his shoulder—Madeline again, introducing yet another guest. This time, it was a face he recognized but had never formally met. 

"Sebastian, you remember Lord and Lady Bridges, don’t you? This is their son, Norman. He’s just secured the top ranking in the midterms." 

Sebastian nodded, looking at the familiar yet indistinct face. Where exactly had he seen Norman before? He greeted the family politely, not being able to recall the memory. Why was his mother introducing a top student, especially when he’d specifically asked her not to invite any of them? It was something he’d have to address later. 

Excusing himself from the conversation, Sebastian spotted Professor Frowde slipping onto the balcony and followed. 

"Are you planning to run away before saying goodbye, Professor?" Sebastian asked with a grin. 

"Sebastian," Professor Frowde said, slightly startled. "On the contrary, I’m taking a break from your father. If I get caught in one more of his discussions, I’ll be here all night." 

Sebastian chuckled, feeling a sense of calm wash over him as they stood on the quiet balcony, the soft strains of music drifting from the hall. 

"Happy birthday, Sebastian," Professor Frowde finally said, studying him thoughtfully. "You haven’t been by the shop lately. Are you already tired of this old man?" 

"Thank you, Professor... I’ve just been busier than usual," Sebastian replied. 

"Ah, I see. Well, don’t be a stranger." Professor Frowde patted him on the shoulder before heading back inside, leaving Sebastian with a rare moment of peace. 

On his way back from a brief detour to the restroom, Sebastian overheard voices through a partially cracked door. 

"Catherine Sinclair," one of the women said, the name catching his attention. He recognized the voice as belonging to Countess Rose Fontaine, one of his mother’s closest friends. 

"Do you think the Duchess would have invited her?" 

"Of course. She had to. I heard Catherine’s daughter was the top student in her year," another woman responded. 

"Then why didn’t she come?" the first voice asked, laced with disdain. "Is she too embarrassed? A thief and now broke... She should be grateful for the Duchess’s kindness." 

"And what about her daughter?" the second voice chimed in. "What if she’s just like her? Do you think she cheated in the midterms?" 

Sebastian clenched his fists, a bitter taste rising in his throat. He’d heard enough. The evening had already dragged on, and now, the cruelty of these whispered words made him wish more than ever for it to end. But he had obligations—ones he couldn’t escape so easily. 

Elena welcomed the new day, feeling a sense of relief now that Sebastian’s birthday banquet had passed. She had spent more time than she would care to admit wondering how he celebrated the day and, more importantly, how the Duchess had taken her rejection of the invitation. 

But now, with yesterday’s event behind her, there was little point dwelling on it. She had another peaceful Sunday to look forward to by the lake before the weather turned too cold. 

As she gathered her things, the morning routine played out. Catherine left with Lady Timothy for temple prayers, and Elena mounted her bike, ready for her escape. 

“Be back by noon, Lady Elena! I’ll have lunch ready,” Bethany called after her, and Elena responded with a wave of acknowledgment then pedaled off. 

When she arrived at the Lakehouse, Elly greeted her with her usual enthusiasm. "Elena! You’re here today!" 

"Of course," Elena replied, smiling. "It’s getting colder, so I want to enjoy the sun while I still can." 

“There’s a firepit near the lake," Elly offered. "I’ll have George bring you a lounge chair so you don’t have to sit on the damp grass.” 

“No need to trouble yourself,” Elena replied. “I brought my picnic blanket today.” 

“It’s no trouble at all, Lady Elena,” George chimed in, already approaching with a chair in hand. 

“Thank you both. You always treat me so kindly. Elena said, touched by their hospitality. "I also brought this for you.” She handed Elly an embroidered piece Catherine had made for them, along with more of the tea she had shared previously. 

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Elena settled under the shade of a nearby oak tree. With her book in hand, she spent the morning alternating between reading her book and gazing at the water, her thoughts drifting peacefully in the quiet. 

Sebastian found himself returning to the Lakehouse, seeking a moment of quiet after the draining ordeal of his birthday banquet. Home was the last place he wanted to be today— it felt stifling—too little space to breathe. He knew he’d eventually have to ask his mother whether she’d invited the Sinclairs, he wasn’t ready for that confrontation just yet. 

As before, Sebastian’s sudden appearance caught George off-guard as he rushed out to greet him, this time not forgetting the key. 

"I hope I’m not intruding again," Sebastian teased, recalling his last spontaneous visit. 

"Oh no, never," George responded, feeling a bit flustered. “But, uh, there is something... the young lady is here, down by the lake.”  

"That’s fine. I’ll be in the study. No need to inform her that I’m here," Sebastian replied smoothly. His words were calm, but inside, he felt the stirrings of nerves. Seeing Elena always did something to him, though he’d never really admit it. 

As he entered the study overlooking the lake, his gaze naturally found Elena. She was lounging on the chair, her wide-brimmed hat tilted over her face, her book resting in her lap. Was she asleep? A soft chuckle escaped him at the sight—Elena always seemed to be at ease in the oddest ways. 

For a moment, the sight of her made him forget the bitter words he had overheard at his birthday celebration the night before. He had grown up knowing all too well how quickly rumors spread, whether true or not. 

“I need to stay away from you, Elena Sinclair,” he silently warned himself. But despite his thoughts, he found himself picking up a throw blanket from the sofa as his feet moved toward her. Quietly, he made his way down to the lake. 

Carefully, he draped the blanket over Elena, ensuring she stayed warm in the crisp autumn air. With a gentle hand he moved her book aside, crouching down to get a better look at her face, mostly hidden by her hat.  

There was something serene about watching her sleep, and he stayed there longer than he had intended, simply observing her as she stirred slightly in her dreams unaware of his presence. 

When Elly appeared on the deck, Sebastian silently motioned for her to stay quiet, indicating that Elena was still asleep. As he rose to leave, a paper slipped from the book he was holding. He picked it up, curious, and unfolded it. His eyes widened slightly when he recognized the notes—familiar, yet more detailed than the simple melody he had once played for her. She had added to it, expanded on it.  

Though Elena had given up on giving him the notes, she had hesitated on getting rid of it and kept it instead. The piece was her personal creation and something she wasn’t yet ready to let go of. 

Sebastian carefully placed the book back at Elena’s side, but tucked the paper into his pocket before making his way toward the house. 

"Is everything alright with Lady Elena?" Elly asked, her tone full of concern. 

“She’s fine. I just thought she might need a blanket since it’s getting colder. She’s still asleep,” Sebastian replied, his voice steady. 

"I’m sure she’ll be grateful," Elly said warmly. "By the way, happy birthday." She handed him a small bag filled with homemade treats. 

"Thank you, Miss Elly. I’ll enjoy these," Sebastian said with a smile. 

"Are you leaving already?" Elly asked as she followed him back toward the front. 

“I’ve got what I came for,” he said, holding up the treats she’d just given him. As he turned to go, he added, “By the way, I was never here.” 

George joined them at the carriage, and with a respectful bow, he watched as Sebastian climbed inside. "See you again, young master.” 

As the carriage rolled away, Sebastian’s thoughts remained with the girl by the lake, and the paper tucked securely in his pocket—a melody he was now curious to hear.