Chapter 98: Moonlight Confessions and Hidden Strengths
Eva Ainsley woke abruptly in the middle of the night, her small chest tightening with a sudden emptiness that wrapped around her like a cold shadow. The elegant room she shared with Maman was quiet, but the silence felt heavy, hollow — and unbearable. Without a single thought, a shiver running down her spine, Eva slipped out of bed, her bare feet brushing softly against the cool marble floor.
Her heart pounded fiercely as she hurried down the grand staircase, the polished wood gleaming dimly under the moonlight filtering through the floor - to - ceiling windows. The house was vast, but tonight it felt suffocatingly lonely.
She didn't pause. She didn't hesitate. The urge to escape this crushing solitude was stronger than reason.
Outside, the night air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of blooming jasmine from the garden. Eva's fingers gripped the worn steering wheel of her electric toy car — the old model with matte black accents that her Maman hadn't yet replaced with the newest one. Despite its age, the little car purred smoothly beneath her, headlights casting soft beams as she navigated the quiet, manicured streets to Seraphina Langford's estate.
The Langford mansion gleamed like a jewel under the moon, its glass windows reflecting a constellation of stars. Eva's small heart fluttered — even in this darkness, Seraphina's home radiated warmth and elegance.
She crept quietly through the grand entrance, her footsteps light on the polished marble floors. Guided by instinct, she found the staircase and climbed to the second floor, each step echoing softly. Finally, she reached Seraphina's room.
There, in the moonlight streaming through tall windows draped in sheer curtains, Eva saw her — Seraphina, sitting on the edge of her bed, her head resting against the sleek, padded headboard. Her dark wavy auburn hair tumbled softly over her shoulders, and her dark, dark pale - red eyes were fixed on the window, distant and tired.
Eva knew she shouldn't be here. She shouldn't impose on Seraphina's solitude, but the ache inside was too raw, too demanding.
Without a word, Eva let herself fall apart, her sobs breaking free like waves as she crossed the room and climbed onto Seraphina's lap. She straddled Seraphina's legs, wrapping her small arms tightly around the taller girl's neck, nuzzling her face into Seraphina's warm skin.
"I miss you, Seraphina… my Yue… my Ina," Eva whispered brokenly, her voice trembling. "Please, please don't turn me away. I know you're tired of me, but I love you. I love you so much…"
Seraphina's eyes widened, startled at first — then softened. Gently, she wrapped her arms around Eva, pulling her close.
"I'm not turning you away, my little moonbeam," Seraphina murmured softly. "I think you misunderstood. I promise you, I'll be with you as long as you want me."
Eva hiccuped, her gaze lifting to meet Seraphina's dark pale red, luminous eyes. She puckered her lips in a teasing pout, suddenly slipping back into the playful innocence that Seraphina adored.
"Then tell me you love me," Eva demanded, voice light but earnest. "Kiss me, right now. You haven't done it for days. You owe me, and I'm charging fifty times interest."
Seraphina smiled, laughter brightening her tired eyes as she began a trail of feather - light butterfly kisses along Eva's neck — then both cheeks, the tip of her nose, her forehead, everywhere.
Eva giggled, playful complaint bubbling up. "You always forget this part," she said, pouting dramatically.
Seraphina's lips finally met Eva's in a gentle kiss — soft, tender, and full of promise.
Slowly, Eva's breathing evened, her eyes fluttered closed, and the tightness in her chest softened into peaceful warmth. She fell asleep in Seraphina's arms, feeling safe and loved.
Once Eva was settled, Seraphina quietly took out her phone and called Aunt Vivienne. "Eva's here," she whispered. "She sneaked into my room. Don't worry, just keep an eye out."
From the background, Seraphina heard Aunt Evelyn, Eva's Maman, sighing deeply. "This daughter of mine… she's going to be the end of me," Evelyn murmured with tired affection. "Always playing disappearing acts. We just sneak for a moment, then go back to her room."
Vivienne's voice giggled through the speaker. "I told you she probably went to her Yue. We might actually need to sue for custody battle."
The two women, one child laughed softly, their relief mingling in the warm night air.
Aunt Vivienne teased, "I guess you two made up the little misunderstanding, huh?"
Seraphina flushed bright red, barely able to whisper, "Yes…"
*****
The next morning dawned bright and clear, soft sunlight spilling through the large windows of the Ainsley estate. Eva was already awake, a spark of excitement lighting her eyes.
Vivienne and Evelyn entered the room carrying carefully wrapped packages inside the box are matching keys. With proud smiles, they unveiled a brand - new electric toy car — sleek navy blue with matte black accents, solar panels on the roof, and glass windows like a real car. The dashboard boasted a mini tablet loaded with Eva's favorite music and compositions, plus built-in air conditioning and a high-quality sound system.
Beside it stood Seraphina's gift: a matching mini golf cart, elegant and powerful, designed with the same advanced tech and stylish flair. The perfect pair for two heiresses with big dreams.
Bathed in the soft afternoon sunlight, two dazzling vehicles gleamed atop the driveway like precious jewels. The first, Eva's brand - new solar panels electric toy car, was a sleek masterpiece painted in deep navy blue with matte black accents tracing its aerodynamic curves. Its glossy surface shimmered as if whispering promises of speed and adventure. The solar panels on its roof caught the sunlight, glowing faintly with a subtle, futuristic energy. Large glass windows sparkled, giving the tiny car an almost grown-up charm, like a miniature sports coupe crafted just for Eva's dreams.
Inside, the dashboard was alive with technology: a glowing mini tablet nestled perfectly beside buttons and dials, its screen displaying colorful icons of Eva's own music compositions ready to fill the air. The built - in air conditioning hummed softly, promising comfort even on the sunniest days, while the sound system was primed to broadcast Eva's melodies with crystal-clear clarity. This was no ordinary toy — it was an exclusive, cutting-edge marvel, designed for their little dove's every whim.
Right next to it, gleaming with equal elegance, was Seraphina's own mini golf cart. Painted in a matching navy blue with matte black details, it carried the same advanced features — solar panels, glass windows, and a dashboard bright with tech. The two vehicles sat side by side like a perfect pair, as if made for best friends destined to race the wind together.
Eva's eyes sparkled with excitement, her heart soaring at the sight of these treasures, the embodiment of their boundless friendship and joyful adventures yet to come. "It's perfect," she breathed, running her hand along the glossy finish.
*****
That afternoon, before leaving on yet another diplomatic trip, Reginald called Eva. His voice was firm, cold as ice.
"You have a lot of homework," he said, his tone clipped. "And more regime to come. You need to toughen up. The wolves will eat you alive if you don't."
Eva nodded quickly, swallowing the sting in her throat.
Before ending the summon, she reached out for a hug. But Reginald only ruffled her hair roughly.
"You haven't earned anything for you to crave my attention," he spat. "You're soft — spoiled by your Maman and my younger sister Vivienne's cuddles. Do not disappoint me further."
And then he was gone.
Seraphina had witnessed the entire conversation. Without hesitation, she scooped Eva into her arms, carrying her gently to her room. Holding her close, Seraphina whispered fiercely:
"You're not a disappointment. You're not soft. You're perfect exactly as you are."
She pressed a soft kiss to Eva's lips.
Eva sighed, her heart swelling with a mix of love and relief. "I love you, Seraphina. You're enough."
But beneath the smiles and tender moments, Eva kept a secret close to her heart.
By night, she studied strategies of warfare from around the world — analyzing weaknesses, mastering tactics — preparing herself for the day her father might demand strength.
This hidden knowledge, this silent promise to herself, was Eva's shield — her secret path to finally earn the love she longed for. Not even Seraphina knew.