Chapter 30
The treasure hunt started with a windmill. It was easy to find, lit up at night. Sonya found it and followed instructions.
“Southeast of the windmill is a staircase. Follow it.”
At the top of the stairs was a small white house.
“Find a special tree nearby.”
“A special tree?”
“Yes.”
“No hints?”
“Nope.”
Sonya found a ginkgo tree, its leaves golden yellow. It had been struck by lightning, its core burned out, but it still thrived.
“There’s a metal box in the hollow.”
was a
Inside the rusty box toy princess wand.
“This wand has magic. Press the button.”
Sonya laughed, but pressed the pink heart button. Lights illuminated the area; music played. “The magic sphere holds a surprise.”
She opened the sphere, and a ring fell out.
“Sonya, marry me.”
Sonya was stunned. He’d proposed, even though they were already engaged. The proposal was beautiful, thoughtful. But it had likely been planned long ago, before he knew her; a proposal for another woman, perhaps. That bothered her.
“No
One else. Just a fantasy of my future, Sonya’s heart ached. He was so considerate.
another one.”
SO I prepared this,” he wrote.
“The ring might not fit. If not, I’ll get It was a simple platinum ring with a diamond. It fit perfectly. She sent a photo to Henry.“It fits.” Henry: Perhaps it was destined. You’re my bride.
Sonya sat on the stairs, enjoying the lights, the house, the sound of the waves. But she thought of the Reynolds family’s island… he’d been here before, and kept this surprise… He was more than just a guest…
She didn’t ask. It didn’t matter.
On the way back, she felt joyful. She’d felt a bit lonely on the beach, but now she felt full of happiness.
Back at the villa, Mrs. Maggie was waiting anxiously.
“Ms. Ella, you’re back. Change clothes.”
“Change clothes?”
Chapter 30
Menu
Young Master prepared an
prepared an outfit. He wants to thank you for saving him.” Sonya was confused. She hadn’t saved him; the snake wasn’t venomous. Mrs. Maggie started to undress her.
I can do it myself!”
A white dress, necklace, and earrings were on the bed. She changed, applied makeup, and followed Mrs. Maggie to the villa.
The music stopped. As the door opened, Mrs. Maggie pushed Sonya in. Everyone looked at her. “Mrs. Maggie, I’ll wait outside for Mr. Reynolds…”
She felt uneasy and tried to leave, but Luna Stone stopped her.
“Sonya, I forgot about you! Come in!”
Luna Stone walked over, a sly smile on her face, grabbed Sonya’s arm, and pulled her in. This is my college classmate, Sonya. You might have heard her name recently. She was fired from the hospital and is now Seraphina West’s personal doctor.”
Everyone looked at Sonya with disdain.
“She’s from the countryside, unsophisticated, but cunning. She brought a dress. I forgot about her. She has such nerve.”
Sonya frowned and shook off Luna Stone’s hand.
“I’m not here for your party. I’m…”
“You’re not here for the party. You’re here to find a man. Second master of Jennings dumped you, so you need a new one.”
Everyone laughed.
Julian Jennings came over, scowling, “Who let you in? Get out!”
Seraphina West approached, feigning kindness.“Sonya, this party is for important people. You’re… out of place.”
Just then, someone shouted, “Young Master Reynolds has arrived!”
Everyone turned to see Jason Reynolds in a white suit. Sonya saw the man who’d been writhing in pain on the beach just hours earlier.
“This isn’t your place!” Julian Jennings said.
Sonya ignored him.
“And that dress. Do you think it’s appropriate?”
“Julian Jennings, are you insane? Your fiancée is right there! Why are you bothering me?” Sonya said angrily.
Seraphina West sighed.“Sonya, you’re a clown.”
Everyone chuckled.
Luna Stone snorted. “Get out before I have you thrown out.”
The music started again. Jason Reynolds was about to start the first dance. Luna Stone prepared herself; she was the star of the evening, and his latest rumored girlfriend.
1312
24.2%
Chapter 30
Jason Reynolds’s gaze swept across the room, stopping on Sonya.
“Ms. Ella, may I have this dance?”
