Chapter 6 Sparks in the garden
The fluorescent lights of the mall felt a world away from the shadows of the Blackwood estate. Maya, who had managed to sweet-talk her supervisor into letting her off an hour early, was practically vibrating with excitement as she sifted through a rack of sun hats.
"You need this one for the trip, El," Maya said, plopping a wide-brimmed straw hat onto my head. "It screams 'I’m on vacation and I don’t know what a billionaire is.'"
I laughed, adjusting the hat, but my smile didn't quite reach my eyes. My mind was still in that basement, replaying the look on Victor’s face when he apologized.
"Maya," I said softly, leaning against a display of floral sundresses. "I think I’m in trouble."
Maya stopped her frantic browsing and looked at me, her expression turning serious. "What kind of trouble? Did the wicked queen mother fire you?"
"No," I whispered, looking around to make sure no one was eavesdropping. "It’s Victor. Ever since the fight... something shifted. I’m starting to feel things. Confusing things. When he looks at me, my heart does this weird little somersault, and I hate it because he’s so arrogant, but then he’s so... vulnerable."
Maya stared at me for three seconds before bursting into a fit of giggles. "Oh, girl! You are kidding me! You fell for the Grinch? The man lives in a literal dungeon and snaps at you for breathing, and you’re over here having heart somersaults?"
"It’s not funny!" I hissed, though I was blushing furiously.
"It’s hilarious!" Maya countered, wiping a tear of laughter. "What’s next? Are you going to bake him a 'Sorry I Called You an Asshole' cake? Are we moving into the castle? Do I get a wing of the house for my shoes?"
"Stop it," I groaned, hiding my face in my hands. "He’s my patient, and he’s mean, and I have Liam. I’m just... confused."
"Listen," Maya said, pulling my hands away. "It’s probably just Stockholm Syndrome from being trapped in that basement. Stick to the plan. Two weeks, Clearwater Creek, and Liam. That’ll fix your 'somersaults.'"
When we arrived home, the rain had stopped, leaving the air smelling of wet pavement and hope. My mother was standing in the kitchen, holding a sleek, white gift box with a silver ribbon.
"This was delivered for you just an hour ago," she said, her eyes twinkling.
I took the box, my heart racing. Inside, resting on a bed of silk paper, was a delicate, designer scarf made of hand-painted silk—vibrant swirls of sunset orange and deep teal. Tucked into the folds was a heavy cream card.
I’m really sorry I made you feel bad. Hopefully, you will still come. As funny and weird as it may sound, your presence at the house brings some kind of a spark. — V.Blackwood
A slow, warm smile spread across my face. I traced the signature with my thumb, feeling a strange flutter in my chest.
"Is that from Liam? Mmmmm, how sweet of him. Let me see!" Maya chirped, snatching the note from my hand before I could stop her. Her eyes scanned the card, and she froze. "Wait. V.Blackwood? As in... the Grinch?"
She let out a loud, bark-like laugh of pure disbelief. "Girl, what? Wait, ohhh!" She clapped her hands together. "The man who wanted you to be 'unchatty furniture' is now begging you to come back because you’re his 'spark'? Elena, you need to borrow me that light you carry. I might get myself a raise at that hell-place I call work if I can charm people like this!"
"It’s just an apology, Maya," I said, snatching the note back, though I couldn't stop grinning.
"That’s not an apology, that’s a fan letter," she teased, winking at our mother.
The next morning, I stepped into the Blackwood mansion with a stomach full of butterflies. I was wearing a tiered skirt in shades of seafoam green and a crisp white blouse, feeling like a nervous schoolgirl.
At the top of the stairs, I bumped into Mrs. Blackwood. To my shock, she wasn't wearing her usual mask of ice. She looked... relieved.
"Elena! I was hoping to catch you," she said, her voice unusually warm. "I don’t know what happened during your last shift, but Victor has changed. He’s been engaging with us, spending time in the library, even laughing. We’re seeing real progress. Thank you."
I giggled nervously, not knowing what to say. "I’m... I’m glad to hear that, ma'am."
I hurried down to the basement, my heart hammering against my ribs. I found Victor in front of the massive TV, but he wasn't watching the news or a grim documentary.
"Morning," I said, my voice soft as I passed by.
"Watching one of my favorite movies. Wanna join in?" Victor asked. His voice was calm, lacking the jagged edge that usually defined it.
I stopped, surprised. "What kind of movie?"
"A classic psychological thriller. The Prestige," he replied, gesturing to the seat near him.
"Umm, I don’t really love those kinds of movies," I admitted, shifting my bag. "Too much tension."
"No, I insist. Sit down," Victor said, a small, genuine smirk playing on his lips. "Watch this one. You’ll have a different view of 'this kind of movies by the end. I promise."
I sat. Just to let him win the argument, I told myself. But as the plot unfolded—the rivalry, the magic, the dark obsession—I found myself leaning forward. When the final twist was revealed, I let out a literal gasp, clutching the armrest.
"That’s it? That’s where it ends? But what happens after? What about the other one?" I asked, my voice high with genuine concern.
Victor let out a low, melodic giggle—a sound I hadn't known he was capable of making. "So, I suppose you loved it?"
"Oh man, yes! I loved it," I breathed, turning to look at him. "But I need to know where it ends now. I’m so curious!"
"I’ll make sure you get to see the sequel," Victor said, his eyes locking onto mine. The intensity in them made the room feel suddenly very small. "But for now, let’s take a walk around the garden. I want to know about the girl who’s always in colorful clothes, always chatty and bubbly."
I helped him navigate his chair out to the courtyard. The sun was out, glinting off the raindrops still clinging to the leaves. We moved slowly along the stone path.
"So, who is Elena?" Victor asked, turning his face up toward me as I walked beside him.
"Umm, what a question," I laughed nervously. "Well, Elena is a girl who is very family-oriented. I stay with my dad, my mom, and my sister, Maya—who is literally my best friend. And there's Leo, my nephew; he's the light of the house. I’m also very invested in baking and fashion."
"I could tell you were invested in fashion," he said jokingly, gesturing to my seafoam skirt. "These colorful outfits are... telling."
We both laughed, a light, easy sound that felt like it belonged in a different house.
"So, if you aren't looking after this paralyzed man, what are you doing?" he asked.
"It’s either I’m home discovering new recipes or gossiping with Maya. If I’m not doing that, I’m with my boyfriend, Liam," I added, the mention of Liam’s name feeling like a necessary anchor.
Victor's expression shifted subtly, but he kept the conversation light. "When I look at you, Elena, I see potential. Don’t sleep on it. The world is your oyster. You should pursue that career in fashion."
"I’m still saving up," I said, touched by his sincerity. "I’ll definitely pursue it one day. I just want to help my family first. I can’t leave them hanging."
"Yes, you can’t. But your life is yours to enjoy, Elena. You also deserve good things. And rest."
"Yes, I will," I said brightly. "Main reason my boyfriend, Liam, has booked a mini-vacation for this weekend to Clearwater Creek."
Julian, a man who had been to the French Riviera, Tokyo, and the Amalfi Coast, let out a tiny, internal chuckle. He knew the place—a budget, dusty little spot for hikers—but he didn't say anything. He didn't want to be the arrogant man who broke my spirit.
"You deserve the break," he said simply.
We sat in the garden for a long time, teasing each other and making jokes. For the first time, he wasn't a patient and I wasn't a nanny. We were just two people talking.
I was so caught up in the warmth of the moment that I didn't check the time. It wasn't until the sun began to dip low, casting long, orange shadows across the grass, that I realized the truth.
"Oh no!" I gasped, checking my phone on the kitchen counter as we went back inside. "My shift ended an hour ago! I was supposed to meet Liam at the station!"
I saw ten missed calls from Liam. My heart plummeted.
"I have to go!" I scrambled for my bag, barely looking at Victor. "I’m so sorry! I’ll see you Monday!"
I rushed out of the basement, my heels flying over the marble as I sprinted toward the gates. I had to catch the 6:00 PM bus. I prayed that Liam was still waiting, but as I ran, a cold dread began to settle in my chest. I had been so distracted by the "spark" in the castle that I had forgotten the fire waiting for me at home.