The Billionaire's Nemesis

TER

flute in her lap. Since the encounter in the dungeon, she had filled her days with solitary pursuit

door interrupte

e of Dubois the butler. "But your sister, La

life. Hastily setting aside her flute, she hurried to meet her sister, powde

raven hair peeking out from beneath her la

d me permission to take you on an outing to the city m

nce to leave the confines of the manor

nd secured her approval as well," Ariana nod

but do not stay out too long or overexert my new daughter. We mu

d pleading eyes to Ariana. Outings required a chape

e Tatiana, let us not squander this pre

winding road to town. Tatiana drank in the sights like a parched wanderer at an

ow fare does our father

atiana's prodding. Both carefully avoided mention of the arranged marriage that had s

tiana's elbow as they explored the maze of stalls bursting with wares. Tatiana

their booths, they flocked to the sisters, proudly displa

amon rolls. At Ariana's urging, she made several modest purchases - a golden hand mirror, embr

ed them back before supper. As they climbed into the c

o return so soon. Thank y

ifling manor walls can become. But we must not tar

ver. Turning to Tatiana with a secretive smile, she said, "I have one final surprise for you

azed out eagerly, taking in the dappled light and whis

eriously. "You shall s

cottage surrounded by lush gardens. Women of all ages and stations s

wonder as their carriage h

"Somewhere we may enjoy one another's company

e ladies chatted with commonfolk without restraint. A servin

ile women danced together without care, skirts s

oached Tatiana. "Sheri, at your service, mil

h her sister, who winked and playfully

ough the cottage windows. "Welcome, milady. Might I interest you i

angely comforting. A stolen glance at Ariana, who was already engrossed in conversation

lovely," Tatiana stammered,

hands together with delight. "Follow

ne with flickering candles and the soft scent of lavender oil. A plush, cu

ousness washed over her. Vulnerability wasn't something she r

w murmur. "Many women come here seeking a moment of peace

, working out knots of tension Tatiana hadn't even realized she carried. With each stroke, a wave of re

na couldn't help but ask, "How did yo

s a healer in a small village. She taught me the art of ma

grandmother, a woman known for her wisdom

e than just relaxation. Massage can improve cir

d with Tatiana. Perhaps, she thought, there was more to life wit

ome of the techniques?" she blurted

orners in amusement. "Teach you, milady? I wouldn't have

firm. "Surely understanding how to care for one's own

across her face. "You have a good point, milady. And perha

nt ignite within her. For the first time since her arrival at the Mancini Manor, she fe

pressure points and stretches that could bring relief and relaxation. Tatiana, a surpris

eri helped Tatiana back onto her feet. A newfound sense of lightness fi