Meanwhile, in the luxurious room of Audrey at Diamond Gardens, Sunlight, dappled through silk curtains, danced across the plush surface of Audrey's bed. Languidly, she stirred, a feline stretching luxuriously in the warmth. Her eyelids fluttered open, revealing eyes that immediately sought the portrait across the room. It depicted her and Daniel, their bodies intimately intertwined, their gazes locked in a silent conversation of love and tenderness.
A contented smile played on Audrey's lips as she sat up, hugging her knees to her chest. Her attention shifted towards the door as Celine entered, a hint of amusement sparkling in her eyes.
'Witnessed the sunrise paint the city in a riot of colours,' Celine giggled.
'Really? How long have you been up?' Audrey enquired.
'Forever,' Celine teased, her smile widening.
'Sounds lovely, but I think I'm too old to wake up early for aesthetic appreciation,' Audrey replied with a laugh as she slipped into a luxurious robe. 'These days, I'd rather spend my mornings basking in Daniel's presence.'
Celine laughed along. 'Of course, you would. But what if you hadn't met Daniel? Would you have done something reckless, like rushing to a friend's house to find a lover or a boyfriend?'
Audrey smiled, turning around as they exited the room. Playfully, she draped her arm around Celine's neck. 'Why such a preposterous notion? Love isn't something you find at the local market. I believe in waiting for it to blossom naturally.'
Celine chuckled as Audrey released her, and they descended the grand staircase together. 'Really? Waiting for love sounds like an illness I'd rather avoid,' she quipped.
Audrey laughed lightly, 'I'm incredibly fortunate to have found my soulmate,' she murmured, her gaze drawn to Felix at the grand piano. He was lost in a melody, his fingers dancing across the ivory keys. A pang of sympathy shot through her. Why did Chioma, who already has a beau, come into his life? Felix is still in love with her even after spending a few months in America. I hope my brother falls in love again. But would he open his heart to another woman? She thought. As Felix played and sang Shania Twain's From This Moment On, a tear escaped the corner of Audrey's eye. She wished she could help him find love once more.
Celine understood those moods all too well. She still resented Chioma for being the cause of her brother's heartache. 'Let him pour his heart out through his music,' she said, looking up at Audrey. 'But I don't think I'll ever forgive your friend.'
Celine continued walking, leaving Audrey at the foot of the stairs, grappling with the conflicting emotions—the euphoria of her newfound love and the anguish over her brother's heartbreak. Her heart ached for Felix, her cherished and adored god-like brother. Throughout his life, Felix had countless women vying for his attention, but he never found someone he could truly love and trust. Consequently, he remained unattached. Audrey had always prayed that one day Felix would find a woman who wouldn't toy with his emotions, someone he could deeply love. She had hoped to be the one to find that woman for him, and she succeeded, but it only brought tears to Felix's eyes. It pained her to know that the woman he loved deeply was in love with someone else, not him.
In the lavish dining room, an abundance of delicious food, plates, glasses, and wine were laid out. It might appear like a feast to first-time visitors, but it was simply the family's daily dining habit. The table was always brimming with mouthwatering dishes, and everyone dressed up for the occasion. Occasionally, they would opt for casual attire, but even then, their outfits exuded high-end classiness.
While they savoured their meal, the maids-in-waiting attentively refilled their plates and glasses. Felix, however, chose not to join them for breakfast, as he remained engrossed in playing the grand piano. The melodic notes resonated throughout the dining area, creating a soothing backdrop akin to the music played in restaurants, enhancing the diners' enjoyment of their food.
Yet, for those aware of Felix's heartache, the music carried a bittersweet undertone. The song he played, Shania Twain's From This Moment On, spoke of a love both passionate and eternal. Tears welled up in their eyes, understanding the reason behind his chosen song. Felix was nursing a broken heart, yearning for the healing power of music to help him forget Chioma and, perhaps, rekindle his ability to love once more.