Between Shadows and Sweet Memories

Chapter 1

Once a woman gives herself, how can she not fall in love? Yet, in a pursuit of desire, a man can easily walk away the moment he no longer feels it.
The first time Edgar Blackwood forced Lydia Fairchild to bed, he demanded her three times in one night. He coldly informed her that he didn’t like her and urged her to stop chasing after him.
When he encountered Lydia for the second time, she’d come to his apartment willingly. In a fit of unrestrained passion, Edgar shoved her onto the bed. When she resisted, he held her down and took what he wanted. Lydia, however, told him plainly that she no longer liked him and didn’t need his help or obligations.
Edgar had always prided himself on his self-control, never bringing alcohol into his home, yet he found himself collecting intoxicated Lydia from the streets more often than he would have liked. He convinced himself that he had never truly cared, but in reality, Lydia had quietly taken possession of his heart—a lingering presence for ten long years that he couldn’t shake off, no matter how hard he tried.
As the two lay together for the third time, Lydia reflected on the absurdity of her situation. Sharing a bed with a man she had once secretly adored—how could it mean anything when they were not truly a couple? No dates, no romantic gestures, just this repeated, fleeting connection. She resolved to forget him and find someone to marry instead.

Chapter 2

When Lydia Fairchild was born, she became the sole focus of her parents’ affection as the only child of House Fairchild. Their love was all-consuming, but everything changed with the arrival of her younger sister, Clara Fairchild.
Clara was born prematurely, fragile and often sickly, spending her early days in an incubator. Her recurring hospital visits generated constant worry for Lydia's parents, who poured their hearts and attention into nurturing their ailing daughter, leaving Lydia feeling neglected.
Due to the overwhelming circumstances, Lydia was sent to live with her grandparents in Southern Vale, who helped care for her while her parents tended to Clara’s needs. Initially, her parents thought it would only be for a year or two, but sixteen years passed before Lydia returned to the bustling City of Eldoria. She found herself struggling to adapt to the fast-paced city life, especially academically, as the education standards in Eldoria far exceeded those of rural Southern Vale.
Now a high school senior, Lydia’s disappointing grades worried her parents, leading them to hire a tutor in hopes that she could secure a place in college. In contrast, Clara thrived in the same academic environment, having grown up with their parents and benefiting from extracurricular classes. Her natural curiosity and family support meant that she excelled, with grades that put her at the top of her class, requiring little in the way of parental oversight.
Despite her struggles, Lydia had a knack for numbers and excelled in math, while in other subjects, barely scraping by was cause for celebration. Back in the countryside, she knew her father ran a small business, and although her mother was a full-time homemaker, she occasionally helped out at the company. Their financial situation was stable, but modest.
By contrast, Clara attended The Academy of Luminaries, surrounded by classmates from affluent families, which cultivated a sense of vanity and competition that only intensified as she grew older. Their parents, eager to support Clara’s desires for non-excessive requests, were at times oblivious to Lydia’s silent sacrifices. They took solace in Lydia’s understanding nature, though when it came to purchasing items for both daughters, the limits of their father's small business often constrained them.
Years apart had also deepened Lydia's parents' feelings of guilt towards her. Having provided little emotional support, they tried to compensate financially, highlighted by the hiring of her tutor, a reflection of their own ambitions for Lydia’s future—after all, a successful college admission for their eldest daughter would be a point of pride.
Lydia inherited her mother's stunning beauty, a trait both sisters shared. Clara, in particular, possessed delicate features that drew constant attention from peers, making her the object of admiration since middle school. However, her father’s strictness kept her from dating, and despite basking in the spotlight as the school’s belle, there was one boy, in particular, who seemed untouched by her charm.
Edgar Blackwood was a popular figure at The Academy of Luminaries, from a wealthy family with a grandfather on the board of the school. His relatives were all enrolled in this prestigious institution, destined to continue their education abroad after graduation. Among twelve grandchildren, eight were boys and four were girls, with Edgar being the youngest and showered with affection.
Clara and Edgar shared a classroom, and being the class president and vice president, respectively, their proximity led many to believe that romance could blossom between them. However, Edgar showed no interest in Clara at all.

Chapter 3

Clara Fairchild wasn't particularly fond of the handsome, tall, yet arrogant Edgar Blackwood. Still, her strong-willed nature was used to male attention, and the indifference he showed only fueled her competitive spirit. She found herself gravitating toward him, whether intentionally or not.
This Sunday, Clara and her sister, Lydia Fairchild, were out shopping at the local mall. Lydia held a refreshing drink in one hand and several shopping bags in the other, most of which contained treasures for Clara. Since Clara's hands were too full to carry everything, Lydia kindly took over some of the burden.
"Hey, sis, do you have any plans for next Sunday?" Clara asked, her eyes brightening with excitement.
"I should be free. What's up?" Lydia replied, usually busy with tutoring after school, but rarely with much going on during the weekends. Sometimes she would take the train down south to visit their grandparents, while other days, she’d spend the whole day at home experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen—a hobby she loved.
Clara's face lit up with a grin as she eagerly replied, "Great! Can you help me make some desserts? I want to have a barbecue and invite some friends over."
It was already May, and even though it was the rainy season, the weather had been mild this year, making outdoor barbecues quite pleasant.
Lydia glanced at her sister, curious. "How many people are you inviting?"
Their sisterly bond was strong; even though they didn't spend as much time together as they might like, Lydia was easygoing and got along well with others. Clara could be a bit demanding at times, but she adored her only sister.
"Just around ten people," Clara said. She often invited friends over, and their home in Eldoria had a small backyard with a swing set and a gazebo.
"Sounds good. Just let me know what you want to eat, and I’ll prepare it all," Lydia agreed quickly. Desserts were her specialty, and since she had no other plans that day, she was more than happy to help.
Clara beamed with happiness and insisted that she would treat them all to dinner that night.
Later that evening, the sisters displayed their new purchases to their parents. Lydia had bought a few things, but Clara had gone overboard, grabbing anything that caught her eye. Just then, Clara saw her sister putting on her new white flats.
"Hey, sis, I really like those shoes. Can I have them?" Clara asked, her eyes sparkling with desire.
While shopping earlier, she found the flats a little plain, but seeing them on Lydia now made her want them desperately.
Lydia, who had just settled onto the couch to take the shoes off, held back a reluctant smile at Clara's request. She averted her gaze, keeping her disappointment hidden.
"Clara, you can't keep grabbing your sister's things! Didn’t you buy several pairs of shoes today?" their mother, Lady Isabella Fairchild, interjected, noticing her younger daughter's tendency to covet her sister's belongings.
"But I really like them," Clara pouted, scooting over and snuggling close to Lydia, "Come on, sis, please let me have these shoes!"
Lydia felt resigned as a smile tugged at her lips. “Fine, you can have them."
“Clara!” Lady Isabella started to protest.
But their father, Lord Alaric Fairchild, sided with Clara, waving it off dismissively. "It's just one pair of shoes. If she likes them, let her have them. Lydia can just buy another pair tomorrow," he concluded, showing a predictable bias towards his younger daughter.
Lydia sighed, listening to her father’s words before she handed the flats to Clara. "Here you go. I’ll pick up another pair soon."
"But I don't want the same ones! I want something different," Clara chirped, slipping her new shoes on and admiring them. Luckily, the two sisters wore the same size, so fitting them wouldn't be a problem.
“Mhm,” Lydia replied, smiling softly before gathering the rest of her purchases. She planned to head upstairs for a bath.
“Hey, I’m going to shower first,” Clara said, as their rooms were adjacent, and neither had their own bathroom attached.

Chapter 4

Lydia Fairchild nodded, grabbed her things, and headed upstairs. As she walked, she could hear her sister Clara Fairchild excitedly showcasing her other treasures and chatting about having friends over next week.
Once back in her room, Lydia set her belongings down and walked over to the wardrobe to retrieve her pajamas. She placed them on the bed and then made her way to the bookshelf, where she opened a square box of candy filled with colorful sweets.
Lydia picked out a fruity candy and lay back on her bed, popping the candy into her mouth. This habit traced back to her childhood, spent in the countryside; whenever something unhappy happened, her grandmother would sneak her some candy. The sweetness quickly distracted her from her troubles.
As she grew older, she worried about Lord Alaric Fairchild and Lady Isabella Fairchild’s concerns, always putting on a brave face in front of them. This meant fewer opportunities for her grandmother to spoil her with candy. Yet, over time, she found herself purchasing sweets whenever she felt anxious.
Since returning to Fairchild Manor last year, this was not the first time her sister had taken something from her. Lydia wanted to be a good sister and make her parents proud, but as these incidents kept happening, her frustration grew. Without realizing it, she had begun to soothe her frustrations with candy, retreating to her room after each theft to enjoy some sweets.
Half an hour later, having indulged in several candies, Lydia could still hear Clara's laughter echoing from downstairs. Deciding to take a shower, she grabbed her pajamas and stepped out of her room, hoping Clara wouldn't realize she’d gone.
A week later, the day of the barbecue arrived.
This time, Clara invited not only her female classmates but also a few boys, including Edgar Blackwood. Initially reluctant to attend, Edgar agreed to go only because his best friend, Victor Sutherland, was determined to win Clara’s heart and insisted he come along.
Lydia had promised to make desserts, so she was busy in the kitchen from early morning. Since she didn’t know the guests very well and wasn't exactly outgoing, she kept to the kitchen, avoiding mingling with strangers.
Unexpectedly, Edgar Blackwood entered the kitchen to grab a drink after the outdoor ice water had run out. A few girls were animatedly discussing clothing outside, and he felt a thirst. He walked into the kitchen, spotting Lydia Fairchild busily baking in her apron.
Just earlier, in the yard, he had sampled several cookies laid out on a platter. Initially indifferent to the treats, he had been urged to try one by Victor, and he was pleasantly surprised. Unlike the overly sweet snacks he usually avoided, these cookies had a perfect balance of flavors and texture that he couldn’t resist, leading him to keep trying different varieties.
However, after enjoying the cookies, he felt thirsty and ventured into the kitchen, only to discover that the cookies were freshly made by Lydia.
Lydia hadn’t expected anyone to stroll into the kitchen. Standing at only shoulder height to him in her indoor slippers, she noticed he was tall and strikingly handsome, his features radiating a rugged boy-next-door charm.
Edgar, accustomed to the lingering gazes of girls, paid little mind to Lydia’s gaze. His priority was finding something to drink.
“Is there any water?” his deep voice resonated, prompting Lydia to realize she had been staring and quickly turned away, blushing. She felt embarrassed to have been caught looking.
“There’s water here,” she replied, hoping to redirect the awkwardness. She handed him the water pitcher, eager to mask her embarrassment.
“Thanks.” He accepted the pitcher and started to leave but paused when he caught a whiff of something delicious. “You’re baking something.”

Chapter 5

The sweet aroma of baked goods enveloped the kitchen, but this time it was something different—there was a hint of spice among the warmth of freshly baked treats.
Lydia Fairchild glanced over her shoulder at Edgar Blackwood, her cheeks slightly flushed. “I’m making a savory pie,” she replied, a bit uncertain about how the filling would turn out since it was her first attempt.
“You made those cookies outside?” Edgar asked, nodding towards the spread laid out under the sun.
“Yeah,” she replied, her throat tightening ever so slightly.
“They taste pretty good,” he said casually, and Lydia’s heart fluttered at the compliment.
Lydia knew she resembled her sister, Clara Fairchild, but standing here, she was painfully aware of how her shyness contrasted with Clara’s confident charisma.
“I’m Clara’s older sister,” she informed him, a hint of pride in her voice.
Edgar raised his eyebrows in surprise. “I didn’t know she had an older sister.”
“I only moved back home last year after living in the countryside for a long time,” she explained.
Edgar simply nodded, respecting her privacy without prying further. He was the type to keep his own matters to himself, uninterested in the lives of others unless they pertained to him directly.
When Lydia fell silent, unsure what to say, Edgar took his water bottle and stepped outside, leaving her to gather her thoughts.
Later that day, Clara hosted a barbecue in the backyard, surrounded by friends who pulsed with energy and laughter. Lydia, having completed her dessert, joined them at Clara’s insistence. Amidst the joyous gathering, she learned more about Edgar Blackwood—he was not only the student council president but also at the top of his class. Coming from a wealthy family, he had his lineage tied to the esteemed Blackwood Corporation of the Isle of Taranis. Lydia found herself captivated—his charm and intellect ignited a spark of youthful infatuation within her.
◎ ◎ ◎
After that initial encounter, Edgar visited Fairchild Manor a few times, and slowly, conversation flowed between him and Lydia. Although they maintained a polite distance, each meeting sent her heart racing. It was a challenge not to steal glances at him, terrified he might see the affection brewing inside her.
One day, while browsing The Scholar's Nook for reference materials, Lydia unexpectedly spotted Edgar. It was their first solo meeting, and she felt the unfamiliar rush of nerves. Edgar had always been indifferent around her, keeping his distance from all girls, with his cool demeanor.
She noticed him engrossed in a book, unaware of her presence. Lydia, feeling shy, decided against greeting him, opting instead to search for her own materials.
However, the book she needed was on the top shelf—far too high for her to reach. Standing at just under five feet three inches, Lydia tried stretching on her tiptoes, but the distance was too great.
Turning to find a store employee to help, she was suddenly interrupted by Edgar’s voice. “Need a hand?”
Caught off guard, Lydia turned to him, her surprise painting her features. She pointed to the book perched high above. “That one, please?”
“This one?” he confirmed.
“Yes,” she managed to reply, her voice small.
With his tall frame, Edgar easily retrieved the book and passed it to her without a hint of effort.
“Thank you,” she said, still a bit flustered as she grasped the book.
Edgar simply nodded and slipped away with his own selections. Lydia joined the line to check out shortly after.
Just as she assumed he’d left, Edgar emerged from the store, looking just as displeased as she was at the sudden downpour that greeted them. The summer thunderstorm rolled in unexpectedly, pelting rain down hard.
Lydia moved towards the curb, attempting to hail a taxi, but the fierce rain drenched her before she could manage it. Frustrated and soaked, she retreated to the overhang outside The Scholar's Nook, deciding to wait for the rain to ease before trying to catch a ride home.
To her surprise, Edgar reappeared, and in his hands, he held an umbrella. Together, they shared a moment under its meager shelter, the world around them drowned in sound and storm.

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