The next day,
As usual in my daily life, I wake up at five or sometimes six, probably due to exhaustion and lack of sleep.
All I do is feed the animals, prepare breakfast, and clean the house.
At eight o'clock, I wake up the twins to remind them to continue practicing their singing.
What I do is not difficult, in fact, I am used to it and the fatigue is nothing to me.
"It's good you didn't forget," my stepmother greets me as she notices the bottle of tequila I carefully took to fill her glass.
I simply smile and redirect my attention to washing the dishes.
If I don't bring her alcohol, she always asks me what my real job is and why I come home so late at night, hoping that I have something to contribute.
Doesn't she notice how much I contribute to the household chores? Is washing and cooking not enough for them?
A deep sigh escapes my lips as I carefully stack the plates on the sideboard.
I may not feel physical fatigue, but my mind is exhausted from their treatment.
Now that I have money, I need to find a place to stay first. I will also change my name and appearance because I don't want them to recognize me. That's why my reaction to receiving four million is just like that, because it's not enough to fulfill all my plans.
Perhaps, I should leave for now and find another place to stay until I can save enough?
But how can I do that?
My stepmother has a lot of connections. Her friends are wealthy and own successful businesses. She easily gets the latest news and gossip from them. She's a true capitalist, attracting small business owners who seek her advice. She's very rich and has never faced any financial problems. She's smart too, able to spot businesses that are failing, buy them, and then sell them for a profit. I worry about what she might do if she finds out about my plans to leave. I can't act without thinking, even though I want to start a new life. I'm not as smart as her and I don't have the resources she has.
I finished all my chores early and took care of Ronnie, my dog. I made sure Mina, my stepmother's cat, was locked in a room so she couldn't steal Ronnie's food. I put on my hooded clothes and went to the storage room to get some money. I made sure to lock the door so no one could get in.
When I left the house, I found a newspaper in the mailbox. I was curious, so I picked it up and started reading.
On the front page, I saw a headline:
"The bandits who killed the Second Queen of Zenon have been caught. The capture was led by Captain Jared. The king has rewarded him by making him the King's Knight Commander."
Next to the headline, there was a picture of a handsome man. His eyes were captivating, his nose was well-defined, and his small mouth added to his charm. I felt a warm feeling when I saw his face. Was I excited by just a picture? Or was I just admiring him because he was the first handsome man I'd ever seen? I couldn't resist, so I tore out the page and put it in my pocket.
Nervously but bravely, I made my way to the Estrado family's house. They were relatives of my late father, and they had been secretly supporting me ever since I met my cousin Yana through Aunt Anabelle, my father's sister. They were kind to me, especially Yana's husband, Lord Nathaniel Estrado.
As I approached the front door, it suddenly swung open, and a little child ran out, chased by Yana.
"Youssef, come back here!" she called out.
But it seemed like the child didn't hear her and continued running.
Yana stopped in her tracks and looked slightly surprised to see me.
"What brings you here, Rowela?" she asked.
I carefully scanned the surroundings to see if anyone else had seen me, apart from Yana. Once I was sure that there was no one else around, I entered the house with her.
She looked worried and gestured for me to sit on the sofa.
When I sat on the sofa, I noticed the exquisite furniture and ornaments in the living room. It was beautifully decorated with elegant pieces that added a touch of luxury to the space.
"Is there a problem, Rowela?" she asked. Perhaps she was surprised because I had never come to their house without prior notice. I had gotten into the habit of sending them letters to inform them of my visits.
I took the cup slowly and took a sip of tea before saying what I wanted to say.
"I need your help, Yana."
And I explained the reason why I wanted to separate from the control of my stepmother, to gain the freedom to make my own decisions without someone telling me what to do. I was of the right age, and Yana understood that because we were the same age, the only difference being that she got married at the age of 16 and her husband was 15 years older than her.
She nodded as she listened to me, so I continued explaining the plans I wanted to happen.
"I want to change my last name and my first name, and I know that your husband, Lord Nathaniel, can make that happen because he is more influential than Mira."
Her eyes widened in disbelief at what I said.
"Are you serious?"
"Yes, and I know you can help me, Yana, and I will make sure to repay you in every way I can," I replied while holding her hand, hoping that she would agree to my request.
"Okay, but it still depends on what my husband decides, so I'm not sure if I can help you, but I will try."
"Thank you, Yana."
I walk towards the town with a sense of happiness, glad that my decision to visit Yana's house is worthwhile. I need Nomenclature, Yana's husband, to help me obtain a strong document that will allow me to change my identity and become my true self.
However, my happiness is often overshadowed by Minerva's constant reminders that I am considered a curse to their family. While I don't believe in curses, that is how she perceives me because I am seen as the child of another woman in their father's eyes.
I decide to visit Xyrone's carpenter shop, where I find him hard at work, wearing only a tank top and looking exhausted from hammering a chair. I can't help but admire his auburn hair inherited from his mother, his tan complexion, and his tall and muscular physique, which he inherited from his father. His chosen profession suits him well.
As he sweats profusely, he suddenly notices my presence and turns towards me.
"Hello," I greet him immediately, realizing that I came to him without informing him beforehand.
"Rowela, is that you? What brings you here?" he asks, furrowing his brow and approaching me with surprise.
"I have a favor to ask," I hesitantly say.
"What favor?" he asks, his forehead creasing even more as he wonders, coming closer to me.
"Do you know of a place where I can move to?"
He takes a moment to ponder, also surprised by my request.
"You're moving? Does your stepmother know about this?"
"No, but I have my reasons."
I proceed to explain all the reasons and plans to him, and he quickly understands.
"I know a way, but you might not like it."
"What do you mean?" I ask, curious about his suggestion.
"Marry me. You'll take my last name, and you won't have to suffer from them anymore because you'll live here with me," he says eagerly.
I am taken aback by his proposal and stare at him intently.
"Don't joke with me. With all the women you have, you choose to deceive me? Anyway, I expect you to find me a house far away from here."
"Is that all? But if you change your mind, I can marry you once you're ready," he says, his face turning red as he speaks, looking at me intently.
I let out a sigh and discreetly place the money in an envelope inside the drawer, knowing that he wouldn't accept it if I gave it to him directly.
And it seems like it didn't notice this.
"I want my Catalog to design the interior and exterior of my future house," I said, but it just looked at me and shrugged, leaning against the wall.
"That's all? I'll take care of it."
He grabbed a piece of paper and placed it flat on the table, then picked up the fallen pencil. He began drawing the house he would build, and I chose oak wood for the construction. It was impressive how he could draw straight lines without using a ruler. He showed me the layout of the living room, kitchen, and bedroom. He even included a second floor and suggested adding a library for me, knowing my love for books, as well as a veranda for those days when I preferred to stay indoors and avoid the heat. However, I suspected that it was just an excuse for him to let insects like beetles, frogs, and sometimes spiders enter my room.
I took out some money and offered it to him, but he refused to accept it. I insisted because his sibling, Xyra, needed the money. Xyra is a choir member in the palace and is also studying singing, just like Myra and Minerva. However, the singing lessons cost a thousand a day for Xyra. After some contemplation, he finally accepted the money.
He mentioned that the project would be completed in three weeks, but if I wanted it done sooner, I would have to pay an additional fee. I decided to increase the payment to expedite the process, and now it would only take a week. Although it still seemed like a long time, it was a reasonable timeframe.
When I arrived home, I quietly sat on a small chair and started reading a book, when my stepmother and her children arrived.
"Don't you have a job?" she asked in surprise as she removed her shawl.
"No, mother. By the way, have you eaten?"
"We already ate. Myra's suitor invited us to eat," she said, looking at Myra with a serious expression. Myra blushed and lowered her head at her mother's words.
"But I don't like that man. He only owns a small eatery on the corner. He cooks well, but it's more enjoyable to eat when the food isn't meant for the poor," she mocked.
Myra clenched her fists and stormed off to her room, her face filled with anger. It's no wonder she had such strong feelings for her childhood friend Gerald. Not only was he kind, hardworking, and a talented cook, but he also carried himself like a true gentleman. Any girl would easily fall for Gerald, if it weren't for the obstacle standing in their way - his money-minded mother.
"Just leave Myra alone with Gerald, Mother. I'll find a way to make us rich. All I need is to marry a wealthy man from the palace," Minerva said with a smile, wrapping her arm around her mother's. I pretended to read while secretly listening in on their conversation.
"I understand your determination, Minerva, but no man would want a woman like you. Unlike Myra, you lack modesty. Myra may be shy, but she attracts many suitors, while you scare away the ones I introduce to you," her mother lectured, pulling her arm away from Minerva's grasp. She walked to the kitchen, grabbed her favorite glass, and took a gulp of alcohol as she listened to her daughter's words.
"I just can't comprehend, Mother, why are all the suitors old? None of them are attractive, and they all have children! What woman wouldn't be repulsed by such men?"
I've also heard from Myra that most of the noble gentlemen seeking a spouse are widowers, and if there are any bachelors, they are usually traveling and prefer not to marry just yet.
"Like Myra said, there are no young suitors, Minerva, because most noble bachelors don't have the time to commit. So, if you truly want to improve your life, you'll have to endure it." Her mother finished her drink and retired to her room. Minerva shot me a disdainful glare when she noticed me staring at her. To be honest, I've grown accustomed to Minerva's behavior, so her tantrums no longer bother me.
At nine o'clock, I settled into a chair near the window and gazed at the stars. I couldn't shake off the lingering thought of my impulsive decision to sell the jewelry. It troubled my sleep, as if he already knew that I had sold his precious belongings.
I let out a deep sigh and retrieved the torn newspaper from my pocket. I stared at the photograph, wondering if there was any chance of meeting him in person. It felt as though we had already crossed paths, perhaps in a dream. It's just a picture, but why does it have such a profound effect on me? His charm is undeniable, and I'm certain any woman would be drawn to him. It's not solely based on his looks, as I've encountered men who are more handsome, but this feeling is different.
I lay down on the bed and suddenly noticed the necklace hanging on a nail, a memento of my mother. Wherever she may be, I no longer harbor any concern for her or my father, Irelio. I hope to never see them again. They left me to navigate life without their support, so there's no point in reconnecting now. I blew out the candle flame and wrapped myself in the worn-out blanket.