Music Recommendation: Mystery and Intrigue- Hans Zimmer.
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As the silence hung in the air, Diana's eyelids grew heavy with exhaustion. All she desired was a moment of solace, a moment to escape Sylvain's enigmatic presence and the burden of unanswered questions. Letting out a soft sigh, she shot him a cautious glace before she shifting on the bed, seeking a more comfortable position that would usher her into a peaceful slumber.
Sensing Diana's weariness, Sylvain also acknowledged that it had been a long day for a young girl like her, even though she had been awake for just a few hours. Yet, considering her fragile state, he offered a kind smile and spoke in a soothing tone, despite her evident desire to dismiss him from the room hastily. "Diana, you must be tired. I should let you rest. We can continue our conversation later if you'd like."
A flicker of smile almost broke through Diana's lips until she heard his next words. She would rather not, Diana thought. Nevertheless, she nodded, grateful for the suggestion while trying her best not to reveal her relief at his departure. "Yes, I am tired," she replied, her voice brimming with a sense of relief. "Thank you for understanding."
Sylvain rose from his seat and took a step back, giving Diana some space. "Of course," He said. "Take your time, and if you need anything, just let me know."
With that, Sylvain turned and made his way to the door, leaving Diana alone in the room. As the door closed softly behind him, Diana felt a sense of solitude enveloping her. She snuggled under the covers, even though the sun still shone brightly outside, hoping that sleep would bring her the clarity she desperately needed and provide respite from the whirlwind of thoughts racing in her young mind.
Cuddled up on the bed, she closed her eyes, envisioning a world of dreams where Sylvain's enigma and unanswered questions could patiently wait. She hoped that in her slumber, the mysteries would unravel themselves, offering her the answers she sought.
As sleep gradually overtook her, Diana couldn't help but ponder the secrets hidden beneath Sylvain's calm demeanor and cryptic words, and as well as the inexplicable feelings she harbored towards him. Little did she know that sometimes, the most profound mysteries reside within ourselves, nestled within the questions we dare to ask.
When Adriana returned, Diana had already succumbed to a deep sleep. Not wanting to disturb her daughter, Adriana gently placed the food on the bedside table and settled beside Diana's bed, deciding to wake her later for a meal.
As she gazed at the sleeping Diana, a smile spontaneously curved Adriana's lips. The mere sight of her daughter safe and sound filled her with joy. Yet, at times, when Adriana observed Diana closely, she found it difficult to fathom that she had given birth to an exquisitely unique child.
Every time Adriana studied Diana, from her golden curls that shimmered in the sunlight to her lightly bronzed skin that radiated warmth, and noticed her straightforward words, apathetic demeanor, and remarkable maturity that seemed incongruous with her appearance, she couldn't help but acknowledge the striking resemblances between her daughter and… him.
Sometimes, Adriana pondered whether her daughter truly understood her own uniqueness and worth, despite the harsh prejudices of the society they lived in.
"I hope you do," Adriana whispered softly as she gently stroked Diana's curly hair. She continued, "It must have taken quite some time for you to fall asleep like this, even though I tried to be as quick as possible. You appear exhausted, even in your sleep."
Her hand delved into her dress pocket, retrieving a bronze pocket watch gifted to her by Sylvain. Adriana sighed, muttering to herself, "Time flies, doesn't it? I should wake you up now."
Placing the pocket watch back into her pocket, she lightly tapped Diana to rouse her from her sleep. Upon hearing her mumbling incoherent words while slumbering, an amused smile graced Adriana's lips. She said, "It's time to wake up. If you sleep now, what will you do later in the night?"
Diana groaned as the sunlight pierced her drowsy eyes. Initially, she assumed it was Sylvain disturbing her sleep, so she squeezed her eyes shut, hoping he would consider her weariness. However, when she recognized the familiar soft, feminine voice, her eyes shot open, instantly alert. She turned to face her mother, who wore an amused smile, and sat up, her own lips mirroring the smile as she exclaimed excitedly, "Mother!" She embraced her, then asked, "When did you return?"
"Not too long ago," Adriana replied.
Diana nodded, releasing her mother from the hug. She noticed Adriana had changed into a light green dress that seemed to have faded overtime and braided her dark brown hair, fashioning it into a bun.
Diana's smile subconsciously widened, her heart feeling lighter as she beheld her mother's amused expression. She wondered if her mother knew that she appeared ten years younger whenever she smiled. Her gaze wandered around the room, as if searching for someone, when she heard Adriana say, "Sylvain informed me that you had already fallen asleep, which worried me. Are you feeling alright? If you're not…"
"No, It's alright," Diana softly interjected, feeling a slight relief at the absence of the irksome old man in the room. She placed her hand on Adriana's, gently caressing it to ease her mother's concern before releasing it. She honestly admitted, "Although I do feel a bit weak, and my head is throbbing with pain."
Adriana nodded, her brows slightly furrowing. When she noticed Diana scratching her neck, she suggested, "Sylvain gave me the medicine, and I brought the food. But I think you should take a bath first."
Diana nodded, feeling her muscles a bit stiff and her body sticky and itchy, making her quite uncomfortable. Perhaps her mother had noticed her discomfort.
Adriana smiled gently, patting Diana's head. She said, "I'll draw the bath for you. Wait a minute, I'll be right back."
After a few minutes, Adriana returned with two towels in her hands. Taking Diana's hand, she guided her to walk slowly, as Diana had some difficulty moving normally after being unconscious for a week.
Feeling guilty, Diana couldn't help but feel remorseful. Her gaze wandered as they exited the room, and her brows furrowed slightly. The hallway presented a stark contrast to the room they had been in.
Unlike the light and flowery atmosphere of the room, the hallway emanated a dark aura. With candelabras hanging on each side of the wall, casting an orangey glow and emphasizing the shadows of the already black painted walls, and a staircase located five doors away, it was evident that the owner of this house did not belong to her social status. Who could afford to waste so much money on candles like this?
Though she had just stepped into the hallway, Diana realized that this place was much larger than she had expected. Whose house was this? Although she already knew, she sought clarification. "Is this Mr. Sylvain's house, Mother?" She asked, and simultaneously, they stopped before a door made of walnut wood, which Adriana pushed open.
Adriana gently pulled Diana into the room and nonchalantly replied, "Yes, it is."
Diana's eyes widened. How wealthy was this man? Then again, he had mentioned being a physician. What could she expect from someone of the middle class?
As if confirming her thoughts, Adriana added, "He used to be a physician for the high-class, the nobility." She clicked her tongue. "That old man must have thought he had saved up enough money to retire and live his remaining days lavishly with his books, completely alone before turning to dust."
Diana raised an amused brow upon witnessing her mother's informal talk about Sylvain. However, the fact that Sylvain had worked for the high-class, a job that was only a dream for many, elevated her opinion of him. Perhaps she had underestimated him, but her suspicions still lingered. He appeared too mysterious for her to be certain. Nevertheless, how did her mother become connected to him?
Her attention shifted to the room her mother had brought her into. It seemed like a fairly ordinary bathroom, but to Diana, it looked quite expensive. She glanced at the white porcelain bath tub and swallowed nervously.
It wasn't as if she had lived a life filled with discomfort because her mother, even with limited resources, had tried her best to provide for her needs. However, one had to acknowledge that they belonged to the lowest social class, where even water was scarce for personal use. And with her mother being labeled as a woman of ill repute, their situation was not any better.
Yet, her mother had always found a way to provide. Diana knew that even though her mother couldn't buy the best dresses or shoes for her, the food and shelter were more than enough. Although their meals weren't as mouthwatering and exotic as those of the middle class, they filled her stomach to the brim. There had never been a day when she had gone hungry because her mother wouldn't allow it.
Her mother, so hardworking and steadfast, yet people labeled her as a woman who spread her legs for any man she encounters. How infuriating.
"Hold still. I'll help you undress," Adriana said as she stood behind Diana, gently tying her lustrous curly hair into a loose bun.