The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 217

Spring was gradually arriving in the Metropolis.

Outside the window, the branches of the sycamore trees were sprouting their first vibrant green buds, the desolate winter scenery washing away in the steady drizzle.

Sitting by the floor-to-ceiling window in the second-floor study, Nora held a pair of fine-tipped shears, meticulously pruning a potted asparagus fern that had just been brought in from the greenhouse.

Tiny green leaves drifted down with her movements, landing on the edge of the white ceramic planter with a soft rustle.

She zoned out for a second, the blades of the shears stalling in mid-air.

She couldn't understand what had gotten into Gideon lately.

Ever since that night of torrential rain, his attitude toward her had taken a bizarre turn, making her feel incredibly unsettled.

He no longer bristled with hostility the moment he saw her, nor did he scrutinize her with that freezing gaze that made her feel like a scheming parasite.

Instead, he was making clumsy, almost obtuse attempts to show her favor.

Early the morning before last, the staff from the main estate had specifically delivered a vintage porcelain tea set.

"Mrs. Hayes, the young master personally won this at an auction a few days ago. He said the pristine porcelain would pair perfectly with the spring tea leaves you brought home recently."

Standing at the top of the stairs, Nora had stared at the delicate, gleaming ceramics bathed in the morning light, feeling absolutely nothing. Not a single ripple of emotion surfaced in her heart.

In their three years of marriage, Gideon had never once asked about her preferences. He didn't know if she preferred tea or coffee, nor did he know what kind of lamp she liked to use when burning the midnight oil.

Yet now, he was suddenly taking an interest in her daily life behind closed doors, even paying attention to the trivial habits surrounding her workspace.

To Nora, this sudden attempt at making amends felt more like a burden.

For the sake of his precious sister—the pampered darling of the entire family—Gideon was indeed willing to lower himself, feigning consideration and doling out these cheap material gestures.

Even if he were to rip his heart out and hand it to her right now, she would still only see it as a patronizing form of compensation.

Later that evening.

Nora sat at her desk for six straight hours before finally sketching the last stroke.

The massive, pear-shaped pink diamond was brilliantly supported by delicate platinum vines. The surrounding baguette-cut white diamonds were set in a radial pattern, emitting a brilliant radiance reminiscent of a celestial eclipse.

Every element perfectly aligned with Julian's requested theme of "radiance." It was luxurious, dazzling, and utterly captivating.

It was a masterpiece, truly fitting for the status of the Hayes family daughter.