Edward entered the garden and the cool evening air was a balm to his flustered spirits as he strolled along the pebbled path, his silk slippers swishing softly. He wandered deeper into the gardens, drawn towards the secluded bench nestled beside the lily pond. Sinking onto the stone bench, Edward stared unseeing at the tranquil scene before him. His thoughts churned. Perhaps...perhaps he could use this ball to his advantage. If he had to face the marriage mart, he could at least try to find someone...tolerable. As Edward sat lost in thought, the gentle ripple of the lily pond and the soft chirping of crickets were suddenly interrupted by the sound of footsteps crunching on the gravel path. He looked up to see a man - a stranger - emerging from the shadows.

The man was dressed in simple, worn clothing, his hands calloused from labor. A garden keeper, perhaps? He was tall, with broad shoulders and a sturdy build, unlike the slim, elegant men Edward was accustomed to seeing. The stranger stopped short when he noticed Edward, looking slightly startled and uncertain. "Oh, I'm sorry Miss . I didn't realize anyone was here." His voice was deep and slightly rough, with a trace of an accent Edward couldn't quite place. "I'm Jacob Black, the new garden keeper ."

Edward rose, his curiosity piqued. "Please, don't let me drive you from your own domain," he said, his voice automatically falling into the polished tones he used in polite society. "I am Edward Cullen." Jacob's eyebrows shot up at that. "Cullen?"

"Yes," Edward replied, noting the surprise on Jacob's face. "You've likely heard of my family. We own this estate." Jacob's expression turned sheepish. "Oh, right. Of course. I just...well, you're not at all what I expected."

Edward bristled at that. "And what did you expect?" he asked, his voice cooling. Jacob had the grace to look abashed. "Well, no offense, but I reckoned you'd be more...like the others." Seeing Edward's continued thunderous expression, he elaborated "In the same line of society," Jacob continued, moving closer. "But you don't fit into that mold." As he moved closer, Edward couldn't help but notice how strikingly handsome he was.

Jacob's skin was a warm, sun-kissed bronze, a stark contrast to Edward's pale complexion. His hair was a thick, glossy black, and his eyes were a piercing, brown. He was muscular, Edward felt his breath catch slightly. "Oh," Edward said, his voice barely above a whisper. "And what mold do I fit into, then?" Jacob tilted his head slightly, studying Edward. "You're different," he said finally. "Less...stuck-up than the rest." Edward felt a laugh bubble up in his throat.

"You don't know me," Edward pointed out, his smile lingering. "I could be the most stuck-up of them all." Jacob shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "You haven't barked at me to get back to work and reminded me of my place." Edward chuckled, "Well, perhaps I should. You are shirking your duties, after all." Jacob grinned, unrepentant. "Maybe I was just distracted by the pretty sight." He held Edward's gaze, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.

Edward's eyes fluttered to the lily bed next to him occupied of ivory and rose coloured likles, breaking the intense eye contact. "Yes, the lilies are quite breathtaking," he murmured, turning to gaze at the pond. Jacob's grin widened, and he leaned against the trunk of a nearby tree. "Glad you think so,"

"Lilies are my favorite flower," Edward said, his voice soft and distracted. Jacob's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze still fixed on Edward's profile. "Is that so?" he asked, his tone casual despite the sudden interest he felt. "What is it about lilies that you like so much?" "They represent fresh life and purity," Edward replied, his voice thoughtful. "Plus, they're a favorite of...someone important to me." He paused, a small, secretive smile playing on his lips. Jacob found himself wondering about this mysterious'someone'. "Well, they're pretty enough,"

Jacob said, his eyes never leaving Edward's face. "Though, I gotta admit, I always thought they looked a bit...fragile. Like they'd wilt at the slightest touch." Edward's gaze slid back to the lilies, his expression gentle. "Perhaps ."

"But they're stronger than they look," Edward continued. "Sturdy stems, thick leaves. They can handle more than people give them credit for." Jacob felt a strange warmth spread through him at Edward's words. "Huh," he said, his voice gruff. "Who would've thought?" Edward turned back to Jacob, his eyes meeting Jacob's gaze once more. "Not many people understand the lily," he said, his voice low and thoughtful. "They see the delicate petals and assume they're weak. But they're wrong." Edward broke eye contact, looking down at his hands as he fiddled with the fabric of hos gown. "I'm not just talking about lilies anymore, am I?" Jacob chuckled, a warm sound that made Edward look back up. "No, you're not," he agreed, his smile easy.

Edward smoothed down his dress, the fabric shimmering in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. "It's not often I find someone who can keep up with my...metaphors," he said, a wry smile on his lips. Jacob shrugged, still leaning casually against the tree. Guess I'm full of surprises," Jacob said with a grin. "You know, for someone who seems so delicate, you sure have a way with words." Edward's smiled sweetly. "Its because I read a lot I love books," Edward said, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "And my favorite is Wuthering Heights. There's something about the wild, untamed nature of the moors that speaks to me." Jacob raised an eyebrow. "Wuthering Heights, huh? That's a classic."

Edward's expression softened. "I do love a good romance," he confessed. "The passion between Catherine and Heathcliff...it's intense, consuming. It's like they were made for each other, but fate kept them apart." Jacob felt a strange pang in his chest. "Sounds...intense," "It is," Edward said dreamily. "Their love is a force of nature, wild and unstoppable. It's the kind of love that shapes the very landscape of their lives." He sighed, a wistful note in his voice. "I've always wondered if a love like that truly exists..."

"Well, maybe you'll find out for yourself one day," he said gruffly. Edward looked at Jacob, his eyes wide and hopeful. "Do you think so?" he asked softly. Jacob nodded firmly, his gaze steady. "I do think so," he said, his voice warm with sincerity. "Someone's bound to come along who sees the strength behind the delicacy." Edward's lips curved into a beautiful smile, his eyes shining with gratitude and something deeper, harder to define.

Edward's smile faded, his expression turning troubled. "My parents...they're eager for me to settle down," he said, his fingers plucking nervously at his dress. "Eager might be an understatement. They're hosting a ball in two days. A chance for me to meet potential...suitors." "That's...wrong," Jacob said, his voice low and gruff. "You deserve to marry someone you love, not just someone who can provide for you or boost your family's status." Edward looked up at Jacob, his eyes filled with unshed tears. "I know," he whispered.

"That's...wrong," Jacob said, his voice low and gruff. "You deserve to marry someone you love, not just someone who can provide for you or boost your family's status." Edward looked up at Jacob, his eyes filled with unshed tears. "I know," he whispered. He returned to Edward and gently placed the lily in his hand, his calloused fingers brushing against the soft skin of Edward's palm. "Here," Jacob said softly. "A reminder that even in the darkest of times, there's still beauty to be found."

Edward looked down at the lily, then back up at Jacob, his eyes filled with gratitude and unshed tears. "Thank you, Jacob," he whispered. "For the flower, and for listening. It means more than you know." Jacob offered him a warm smile. "Anytime, Edward.""And remember, the garden is always here for you, as is my presence," Jacob added, his voice low and gentle. "It's your home away from home, and I'm always around if you need to talk or just need some company." Edward nodded, holding the lily tightly to his chest.

Edward's eyes shone with emotion as he gazed at Jacob. "Thank you, truly. Your kindness means the world to me." He took a deep breath, seeming to gather his courage. "I should head back inside now. But I'll keep the lily with me, and your words in my heart."

Jacob watched as Edward walked back into the grand house, his shoulders slightly less hunched than before. As the heavy doors closed behind him, Jacob let out a slow breath. He hoped Edward would find the strength to navigate the challenges ahead, and perhaps, just perhaps, a love that would transcend expectations.