At Sara’s House

The sweet aroma of fresh strawberries filled Grandma Aline’s small kitchen. The golden light of sunset streamed through the windows, illuminating the faces of the two girls sitting at the table, eagerly waiting for dessert.

— Welcome, my dear granddaughters! — exclaimed Grandma Aline with a radiant smile. — Today, I prepared a delicious meal, and the dessert… oh, the dessert you can’t even imagine! — She paused dramatically, stepping closer with a plate. — It’s a strawberry cake—but not just any strawberries… these are Sunbow Strawberries!

Kelly’s eyes widened.
— Wow, Grandma! That must be amazing!

— Good afternoon, Grandma — said Sara, trying to hide her tired expression. — Today was tough in the fields… that Taia, I still can’t believe she’s Mayo’s sister!

Kelly gave a shy smile.
— Grandma, Mayo invited Sara on a date.

— That’s wonderful! — Grandma Aline said cheerfully. — My granddaughter is going to get married!

Sara frowned.
— I’m not marrying him… and I’m not going to that date either. I was born to be an Empress, not the wife of a chief guard.

— Don’t be so hard on the boy, dear — Grandma Aline advised gently.

— But Sara — Kelly interrupted — you accepted and said you’d ask Grandma for permission, remember? Isn’t that right, sister?

Sara lifted her eyes, feigning indifference.
— I didn’t forget, okay? — she said, giving a half-smile of triumph. She always seemed one step ahead, even managing to outwit Grandma with her pretending.

Grandma Aline sighed, crossing her arms.
— Since you used my name… now I order you to go to that date! I don’t want people in the village talking badly about me because of you.

— Grandma, you can’t force me! — Sara protested indignantly.

— Oh yes, I can — Grandma said firmly. — And next time, think twice before using my good name. After all, I have my honor… especially after leaving my duke… my handsome, charming, and sexy duke! — Grandma smiled mischievously, standing up to fetch something. — I even have his portrait. I’ll show you.

As Grandma Aline looked for the portrait, the girls whispered among themselves.

— So it’s true she was the lover of a married duke? — Kelly whispered, surprised.

— And he was married to the lady she worked for? — Sara added, wide-eyed.

Grandma Aline returned, carefully holding an old, gold-framed portrait.
— Here he is, my dears. This is my beloved Duke Xefecio Ruwany — she said, her eyes shining with nostalgia. — Isn’t he handsome? Charming? Sexy?

Duke Xefecio was an extraordinarily handsome and elegant man. His dark, slightly wavy hair fell perfectly across his forehead and shoulders, giving him an air of sophistication. His eyes were a deep, piercing blue—intense enough to captivate anyone who met his gaze—radiating both intelligence and mystery. His straight, well-defined nose, strong jawline, and a hint of stubble gave him the look of a nobleman with a touch of rebellion. He wore a formal period outfit, in dark tones with golden details, highlighting his noble posture and the bearing of a true duke. His presence in the portrait exuded confidence, charm, and power, making it clear why Grandma Aline had fallen in love with him.

Kelly and Sara exchanged glances, surprised and curious, as they studied the portrait of the man who had once captured their grandmother’s heart.

Kelly held the portrait, frowning: