Chapter 4

Hong Kong Island

June 1956

Montague Residence

Nolan's annual journeys to the island had become a familiar routine, filled with a sense of customary repetition.

It had been nearly a month since his father had departed from the settlement, entrusting Nolan and his wife, Isabella, with the care of his mother, the Countess. Seated in the comfortable lounging space, Nolan was engrossed in perusing the contents of the newest pamphlet that had arrived earlier that morning. The maids gracefully pushed open the windows, allowing the crisp morning air to flow into the room. As the end of spring approached, the warmth of summer began to envelop the atmosphere. Each day brought a gradual increase in temperature, signalling the imminent arrival of the summer season. Compared to the sweltering heat of the colony, the summers in London were surprisingly mild and refreshing. Nolan found himself longing to return to England, where he wouldn't have to endure the oppressive heat if it weren't for his mother's insistence on staying in the colony.

The Countess was known to spend most of her days at the local orphanages, where she would meet and cook for the newly arrived children. This was her way of stepping into the role of a mother for these children, knowing that they may never have the chance to experience a loving parental figure. In addition to this, she also used her time at the orphanages as an opportunity to search for any possible clues that could lead her to Annalee. It had been a long fourteen years since Annalee's disappearance, but the Countess refused to give up hope. To some regard, Nolan clung to the belief that his dear sister may have found happiness elsewhere, away from the troubles that surrounded her. Despite the fact that Annalee had a mischievous nature, Nolan wanted to remember her in a positive light, filled with memories of her adventurous spirit and insatiable curiosity. He often wished that they had spent more time together, but he was consumed by his studies at the time, leaving him with regrets. Even now, though, he couldn't shake the feeling that his youngest sister may be gone forever. He wished that his mother would give up her relentless pursuit of finding Annalee so that the family could finally find closure and lay the matter to rest.

As Nolan finished reading the column, his wife made her way into the room. The morning sunlight streamed in through the window, highlighting her navy blue equestrian coat and white trousers, a stark contrast to her flushed and sweat-covered face from her early morning horseback ride. Nolan often found himself in awe of his wife's tomboyish yet undeniably beautiful nature, which was perhaps the very reason he fell in love with her. Unlike the typical upper-class women in London, she possessed intelligence and independence that set her apart. Having grown up as a Southern Belle on her father's plantation in America, she carried herself with a unique sense of grace and strength.

Her distinctive appearance, a blend of Caucasian and Hispanic features, made her stand out. In the Americas, people of mixed race were still relatively rare, but in England, where diversity was increasing, it was becoming more common. Before tying the knot with Isabella, affectionately known as Bella to him, he contemplated the potential challenges of introducing her to his family. He was pleasantly surprised when his family embraced her warmly. Bella's mother, Elena Vida, who hailed from Mexico, was not in favour of their union, as she hoped her daughter would marry someone within their own cultural background. On the other hand, Bella's father, Michael Thompson, had already given his blessing to their marriage.

Nolan was puzzled by the fact that his mother-in-law had refused to let him marry her daughter. He understood that being the only daughter among seven children, she must have shared a special bond with Bella.

Putting down the pamphlet he was reading, Nolan looked at his wife while she took a sip of water from the cart beside him. "Did you have a pleasant morning ride, my love?" he asked.

His wife nodded, placing her cup back down. "The ocean view was as calm and beautiful as ever," she replied. "Where are the children? I thought they'd be with you." Nolan explained that his mother had taken them to the garden to teach them about botany.

"So it's just us alone in the house?" his wife inquired.

"Yes, only us and the staff," Nolan confirmed.

A mischievous look had come upon her face. Before he knew it, his wife had flopped down to his lap, placing her arms around his neck. She had almost knocked the wind out of him. He loved these moments with his wife, even after just marrying her almost three years ago. She was the adventurous type and the most mischievous of all the women he's ever met. She placed a kiss on his lips, catching him by surprise.

"Are you mad? What if someone had walked in on us?" He chuckled.

"Then, let them watch. It's normal for a married couple to be intimate."

He gently placed a tender kiss on her plump lips before replying, "You never fail to impress me with your love and kindness." Bella played a crucial role in keeping Nolan grounded during his struggles with his mother in the colony. With his brother, Theodore, recently getting married, Nolan would have usually relied on him for support. However, Theodore's absence shifted more responsibilities onto Nolan. Meanwhile, Eleanor and Eugene had left the island just a few days ago, travelling to Australia, showing less concern for their parents' wellbeing. Nolan couldn't help but wish they would settle down and start families of their own to ease their mother's worries. On the other hand, Josephine, who had been married for over seven years, had recently returned to London following the passing of her mother-in-law, Dowager Viscountess Maria Hills. The news of her mother-in-law's sudden illness and subsequent death had shaken Josephine to her core. Viscount Charles Hills, Josephine's husband, was undoubtedly devastated by the loss of his mother, with whom he shared a close bond. The devastating news must have left him heartbroken and consumed with grief.

Nolan and Bella had already expressed their sympathies to the grieving family, while his mother made extensive efforts to assist with all necessary arrangements. The relationship between the Dowager Viscountess and his mother was always strained, potentially stemming from the late Viscountess's disapproval of Josephine marrying her son. This disapproval led the Countess to defend her daughter against any insults thrown her way.

The current Viscount was known to have a close relationship with his mother, but his decision to marry Nolan's sister turned out to be the best choice he ever made. Although Josephine faced challenges in the early days of their marriage, she stood her ground and faced her mother-in-law directly. Given her status as the daughter of an Earl, Josephine refused to tolerate disparaging remarks for long and over time, her mother-in-law came to accept her love for her son.

"Well, I need to change my clothes before heading out. I have plans to meet Lady Farah for a leisurely afternoon stroll at the market," his wife informed him as she stood up from her seat.

Nolan nodded in understanding, expressing his plans to stay in and delve into the documents left by his father. "I'll be fine keeping myself busy with these. Father entrusted me with them while he's away. Enjoy your time-out, my dear," he said with a resigned sigh.

Before parting ways, his wife showered him with a final kiss before leaving the room. Nolan settled back into his seat, determined to finish reading the pamphlet in front of him. He hoped to cherish the fleeting moments of serenity before his mother and children returned home.

As the minutes ticked by, Nolan allowed himself to get lost in the words on the page. Embracing the tranquillity of the room, he relished the peace and quiet before the inevitable chaos of family life resumed.

...

Kingsley Residence

It had been almost three hours since Hugh and his guests arrived at the luxurious villa. Hugh had taken the time to introduce Mr. Lau to Ms. Green, but their initial interaction seemed a bit awkward. Watching them from a distance, Hugh was surprised to see that they had now formed a close bond and were laughing together in the garden. This sudden shift in their dynamic left Hugh feeling a mix of emotions — was he annoyed by their newfound camaraderie, or perhaps a bit envious?

Seeing Ms. Green's infectious laughter and carefree smile as she walked around the courtyard fountain with Mr. Lau made Hugh wonder what could be so amusing to her. He couldn't help but speculate whether it was Mr. Lau's jokes, puns, or simply his company that had brought out this side of her.

Feeling restless, Hugh paced around his office, unable to tear his eyes away from the joyful scene unfolding outside. He had initially planned to have a nap after their long journey, but found himself buried in paperwork instead. Trusting Mr. Lau to show Ms. Green around the villa, Hugh knew that he had been a guest at the estate for the past two weeks and had come all the way from Macau to help with investigations. There was a report from Macau on Hugh's desk that Mr. Lau had brought, but Hugh hadn't had a chance to review it yet, as his attention was captivated by the unexpected bond forming between his guests.

He had never witnessed such a radiant smile on Ms. Green's face before. Despite only having known each other for a mere two days, she had spent only three hours with Mr. Lau. The dynamics of their connection seemed inexplicable. It felt as if they shared a connection from a previous lifetime. The sight of them together made him feel a surge of aversion, although he couldn't pinpoint why. He silently yearned for someone to intervene and separate them.

At that moment, Mr. Gibson approached the two of them, signalling for Mr. Lau to accompany him. As they walked away to tend to business matters, Ms. Green stood by, observing them. She settled down on a nearby bench near the fountain, absent-mindedly nudging pebbles with her feet. A gentle breeze tousled her curls, causing them to fall over her face, prompting her to swiftly tuck them behind her ears. From Hugh's vantage point, she appeared captivating. He wished he could be the one to evoke genuine laughter from her, bringing a smile to her face and basking in the serene beauty of the garden together.

Hugh regretfully struck himself, feeling the weight of those troubling thoughts sink in. He couldn't help but reminisce about the days spent with Josephine before she became the wife of another man. The memories of their leisurely walks through the elegant streets of Mayfair in London flooded his mind. As a man of honour, Hugh always ensured that Josephine was accompanied by a chaperone during their outings. Their discussions often revolved around the world of arts, a passion that Josephine deeply cherished. She possessed a remarkable talent for painting and had a keen eye for sculpting. However, all her artistic pursuits came to a halt when she tied the knot with Viscount Charles Hills, who happened to be Hugh's closest confidant.

During their childhood, they shared many memories of playing outdoors like typical young boys. Their bond grew stronger as they attended Eton College together, embarking on the same educational journey. They were inseparable friends until Josephine reached marriageable age, causing a shift in their dynamic. Hugh became captivated by Josephine the first time he saw her at a ball when he was just fifteen years old. She stood out among her siblings in a lovely pastel purple gown, igniting an intense desire in Hugh to make her his wife. However, fate took an unexpected turn when Charles entered the picture, instantly falling for Josephine at a masquerade ball hosted by his step-mother. Despite Hugh's secret feelings for Josephine, he selflessly supported Charles in pursuing her, ultimately sacrificing his own happiness for the sake of his friend. If he had revealed his true intentions to his friends, he might have jeopardized Charles's chances with Josephine. Nonetheless, Hugh's loyalty and steadfastness prevailed as he watched his friend win Josephine's heart, even though she had also fallen in love with Charles.

Such painful memories lingered in Hugh's mind, although he knew deep down that his decision was for the best. If only he had been aware of his father's financial struggles sooner, he would have put a halt to any plans of marriage. Now, he couldn't fathom tying the knot until he had sorted out his father's debts. Reflecting on Ms. Green, who was still seated serenely on the bench, Hugh pondered the idea of marrying her out of convenience, but he quickly dismissed it as a selfish notion. Despite acknowledging the similarities between Ms. Green and Josephine, he knew he felt no genuine love for her. It felt wrong to consider using her as a replacement. He believed it would be more respectful for her to find someone who truly cherished her, rather than settling for a comparison to a past love interest.

He toyed with the idea of showing Ms. Green more of the island, offering her the chance to experience its beauty. Perhaps he could even extend a professional opportunity to her by hiring her as his secretary. This would provide a way for them to interact on a business level and divert any romantic inclinations. He reassured himself that the paperwork on his desk could be dealt with at a later time; there was no urgency.

Having spent some time contemplating in his office, Hugh eventually decided to leave and make his way down the numerous flights of stairs that led south towards the garden where Ms. Green was still seated on a bench. As he navigated past the bustling maids and butlers along the way, he finally reached the terrace and paused momentarily to catch his breath before proceeding towards Ms. Green with determination.

Upon reaching her, Hugh greeted Ms. Green with a warm smile and a respectful nod, causing her to rise from her seated position upon recognizing his voice. In return, she offered a gesture of respect by bowing slightly and addressing him as "Your Grace".

Curious about the reason behind his unexpected presence, Ms. Green inquired, "What brings you here, Your Grace?" to which Hugh casually replied, "I was simply taking a leisurely stroll. Where's Mr. Lau?" Each word seemed to flow smoothly from his lips as he stood in front of her, exuding an air of elegance and composure.

"Mr. Gibson had called him to discuss some business."

"I see. So how are you liking the villa?"

"The tranquil beauty of the surroundings was overwhelming, making it hard to fathom living in such a grand estate," she replied. The woman demonstrated curiosity by asking how long he had possessed it. Hugh moved closer to her and settled down on the same bench she had vacated. Gesturing for her to join him, he mentioned his uncertainty about the duration of ownership. He explained that the property had been in his father's possession before his passing, possibly dating back to the time when the British first colonized the island.

As they talked, he couldn't help but notice the intensity of her gaze fixed on him. During their conversation, he took the opportunity to share with her memories of his childhood. He gestured towards a specific tree in the distance, reminiscing about the swing his father had built for his twin sisters, Callista and Clarissa, when they were younger. The mention of his sisters seemed to pique her curiosity. She expressed surprise, asking him if he indeed had siblings—an aspect of his life he had apparently never brought up before in their conversations.

Returning her response, he said, "Yes, half sisters. My step-mother and late father had them when I was about ten. They are now fifteen and are super mischievous for their age."

"I never imagined you being an older brother."

"Why you say that?"

"Well, you seemed very reserved. I suppose me being an only child had always kept me reserved. I guess it doesn't apply to everyone," she laughs to herself, scratching the back of her head. For a brief moment, there was silence as Hugh took in the sight of her smile, appreciating the rare occurrence of her showing happiness in his presence. Observing her smile up close, he noticed how it appeared even more dazzling compared to when she was lost in thought while gazing out the window. Mr. Lau had the privilege of witnessing her smile on multiple occasions, which added to his good fortune. However, for Hugh, this singular moment was enough to make him content.

Breaking the silence, he says, "Would like to join me for a stroll at the market?"

"A stroll?" she pondered.

"You haven't seen much of the island. Why not join me for a stroll in town?"

Agreeing with a nod, she made her way to change into a more comfortable attire before departing. The day was gradually warming up, causing her to feel the need to shed the layers of clothing she had initially put on. Realizing this, Hugh also decided to freshen up before they headed into town, instructing his butler to prepare the carriage for their journey.

After waiting patiently at the entrance for about thirty minutes, Ms. Green finally emerged from the grand mansion. She was now dressed in a beautiful red and white hanfu, a stark contrast from her usual London attire. Her hair was elegantly tied up with a white ribbon, giving her a more refined look. The outfit she wore was loose and flowy, making it perfect for the warm weather. Although she had removed most of her jewellery, she still wore a striking gold pendant around her collarbone. The only other accessory that remained was her sword, safely secured at her waist in its scabbard.

After providing the coachman with clear directions to their desired location, Hugh and Ms. Green settled into the cosy carriage and began their journey.