The following Saturday...
Rosewood awakened beneath a sky of brilliant blue.
For the first time in weeks...
Celina wasn't wearing her hospital uniform.
Instead, she stood before the small mirror in her bedroom, adjusting the soft cream-colored dress she had chosen.
She glanced at the handwritten invitation resting on her bedside table.
Afternoon Tea
Eleanor Hart Estate
2:00 P.M.
She smiled.
"I hope I'm not late."
Edward Bakers looked up from the living room as she came downstairs.
"You look lovely."
Celina laughed softly.
"Thank you, Dad."
"So..."
"Mrs. Hart invited you again?"
She nodded.
"She said she wanted to get to know me better."
Edward's smile lingered...
But something flickered in his eyes.
A quiet uneasiness.
He had a feeling the past was beginning to move again.
At Hart Manor...
The gardens were alive with blooming roses.
A long table had been prepared beneath a white gazebo overlooking the lake.
Fine china.
Fresh flowers.
Warm scones.
Everything reflected Eleanor Hart's elegance.
Sophia Barrett arrived a few minutes before Celina.
The two older women exchanged knowing glances.
"She accepted."
Eleanor smiled.
"I knew she would."
Sophia lowered her voice.
"Have you changed your mind?"
Eleanor slowly shook her head.
"No."
"Not until we're certain."
Sophia sighed.
"I hate lying to her."
"So do I."
Before either woman could continue...
A servant approached.
"Miss Bakers has arrived."
Both women immediately fell silent.
Celina walked through the garden with quiet admiration.
"It's beautiful."
Eleanor welcomed her warmly.
"I'm so glad you came."
Sophia smiled.
"So am I."
Celina greeted them both politely.
"It's wonderful to see you again."
The three women took their seats beneath the gazebo.
For a while...
The conversation remained light.
Favorite books.
Recipes.
The hospital.
The children.
Eleanor smiled.
"James tells me you've become everyone's favorite."
Celina laughed.
"I think the children are just very kind."
"And Aaron?"
Sophia asked casually.
"Has he been working too hard?"
Celina smiled before she realized it.
"He always works too hard."
"But..."
"I've been reminding him to take breaks."
Sophia and Eleanor exchanged a brief glance.
Neither woman missed the affection in Celina's voice.
Across the city...
Aaron sat in his office.
He stared at his phone.
Ethan walked in carrying several contracts.
"You've checked your phone six times in ten minutes."
Aaron looked up.
"Have I?"
Ethan laughed.
"Miss Bakers is having tea."
"Not moving overseas."
Aaron couldn't help smiling.
"I know."
Ethan placed the contracts on the desk.
"You miss her already."
Aaron leaned back.
"I do."
For a moment...
Neither of them spoke.
Then Ethan smiled.
"You really love her."
Aaron answered without hesitation.
"More than I ever thought possible."
Back at Hart Manor...
Tea had just been served.
Eleanor poured another cup.
"Celina..."
"I've always wanted to ask..."
"Have you ever wondered about your mother?"
The question caught Celina off guard.
She lowered her eyes.
"My father told me she died when I was very young."
"I don't remember her."
Sophia's heart tightened.
"And your father?"
"He's never spoken much about those days."
"He says remembering hurts too much."
Silence settled over the table.
Eleanor gently reached across and covered Celina's hand.
"I'm sure..."
"She loved you very much."
Celina smiled sadly.
"I like to believe that."
Neither Eleanor nor Sophia trusted themselves to speak.
Because they knew...
The woman Celina longed to remember...
Had once sat exactly where she was sitting now.
Laughing beneath the same summer sky.
Unaware...
That tragedy was waiting just beyond the horizon.
As the afternoon breeze stirred the roses...
Neither of them noticed...
From outside the estate gates...
A black sedan remained parked beneath the trees.
Victor lowered his binoculars.
He recognized the two older women immediately.
Sophia Barrett.
Eleanor Hart.
His eyes narrowed.
"They know."
He reached for his phone.
Then paused.
For the first time...
He wondered if reporting everything...
Would place Celina in even greater danger.