The following day, Myra was unable to attend school due to ill, possibly due to what they refer to as "lovenat" from the book I had read.
Meanwhile, Minerva was picked up by her friends while my stepmother prepared herself for the day ahead.
She adorned a white dress with a black fur coat draped over it, complemented by white sandals with a slight heel and a black lace hat.
I was familiar with her attire since I was the one responsible for doing the laundry, and I would occasionally try it on when they were not around.
It felt unfair that they never bought me clothes, so I took matters into my own hands and purchased my own.
"Will you be working later?" she inquired.
"Yes..."
"For now, refrain from going to work and take care of Myra until she recovers."
"But..."
"Just follow my instructions."
"Yes, Mother."
As she slipped on her white gloves and placed the matching ring on her finger, the same ring I had pawned at the pawn shop, she glanced at me.
"I have an appointment and will be returning home late. Inform the others if they inquire about me." I simply nodded, still taken aback by what I had witnessed.
The Sapphire Ring, the one my client had given me, I was certain it was mine. Did she purchase it from the pawn shop? Or did she acquire it from the jeweler?
Once she departed, I swiftly made my way to the storage room, breathing a sigh of relief as no one had discovered the money hidden there. I retrieved some cash and headed to the market to tend to my other errands, including purchasing medicine for Myra.
In truth, I regarded her as a sister. Despite not being particularly close, she had always been there to assist me.
I still recall my eighteenth birthday when she was the only one who remembered.
It was evening, and I was feeling melancholic while engrossed in a book when she entered the room with a cake and presented me with a book as a gift, knowing my love for reading.
I will never forget that act of kindness, and I am determined to repay her in kind.
While I was shopping, I spotted my stepmother in the distance, wearing a striking black fur coat. She was headed towards the tavern where I work. Intrigued, I decided to follow her to confirm if it was indeed her. As she entered the tavern, I quietly slipped in as well, finding an empty seat and disguising myself.
Approaching the bartender, Vincent, I made a subtle gesture by placing my finger to my lips. He understood immediately and silently prepared a juice for me, knowing the reason for my presence. Vincent was familiar with my stepmother and our complicated relationship.
My intention was to eavesdrop on their conversation and uncover any secrets. I listened intently as my stepmother asked the man, "Are you satisfied with Minerva?" I wondered if Minerva was a potential suitor. To my surprise, my stepmother responded, "Hmm, I'm not fond of your daughter's demeanor. She speaks rudely and often wears a scowl when she's with me. It would be better to be with the woman I frequently encounter here at the tavern. She understands and fulfills my desires. She's beautiful and well-known."
My heart raced as I heard my name mentioned. My stepmother continued, "Are you referring to Rosa?" I gasped, realizing she knew who I was. "Rosa is known by many men and often the subject of gossip. I'm wearing the ring on my finger as proof."
I struggled to contain my emotions, focusing on the glass in front of me while absorbing every word my stepmother uttered. "This is. . ." she paused, and I closed my eyes briefly, bracing myself for what she would say next. "Correct. This is your gift to her. We both know that this ring is unique in Zenon because it belonged to your late wife, Shiba."
I never expected my stepmother to be so cunning. The man defended me, exclaiming, "Impossible! Rosa is wealthy and has proven her noble lineage."
My stepmother simply replied, "Believe what you want. I'm merely stating the truth."
I took a sip from the glass, trying to steady my racing thoughts. I signaled for another drink, and Vincent obliged, understanding my need for a moment to collect myself. The conversation continued, with the man declaring his intention to investigate and uncover the truth about me.
Feeling the weight of potential exposure, I left money on the table and quietly exited the tavern, my mind consumed with thoughts of my next move. I discarded the wig, relying on my naturally black hair to make it difficult for others to recognize me. Though I was wearing Minerva's clothes, I hoped it wouldn't raise suspicion since matching outfits can occasionally happen.
As I walked away, I contemplated the revelations I had just witnessed, uncertain of what lay ahead but determined to navigate the situation with caution and resilience.
My makeup was applied heavily that day, giving me a more mature appearance. However, without any blush, I simply looked like an innocent girl in her early teens.
Will I be exposed? Perhaps not.
I still have some money, but I haven't received any updates on whether Yana has convinced Lord Nathaniel to help me. It will take a few more weeks for the house I plan to move to to be ready, so I cannot relocate yet, even if I wanted to. I am certain that I won't be able to keep my job at Billy's tavern either, as it would be too risky after everything that has happened. What should I do?
Come on, Rowela, think! Please come up with a solution.
"Move aside!"
"Huh?"
I couldn't determine who said that, but suddenly I collided with something hard, causing me to drop the items I had purchased. Instinctively, I grabbed onto the hem of the person's clothes whom I had collided with.
I noticed that I was holding onto the sleeve of his blue leather shirt, which had a badge on the side. And as I looked up, I couldn't believe my eyes.
He was the man from the newspaper, and the picture didn't do him justice. He looked even more handsome in person.
Lost in my emotions, I failed to realize that the guards had pulled me away from the man.
"Be more careful next time, kid. You bumped into the Commander of the Knights with so many people around." The guard reminded me as he moved me away.
I was still in a daze, and my heart continued to race. It's true, time can momentarily stand still when you see someone like Jared.
I took out the torn page from my pocket. He was right. I never expected that we would meet like this, Jared.
With a smile on my face, I returned home and went straight to Myra's room. I placed the fruits and medicine on her table.
As I was about to leave, she called out to me.
"Is something wrong? Why do you look lost?"
"Nothing, I'm just tired." My mind remained blank as I went upstairs, continuing to ponder everything that had happened.
I saw Jared, but he didn't recognize me. To him, I am just an ordinary person, so it doesn't matter even if I am overwhelmed with happiness right now because it seems like we won't meet again.
Should I bring back Rosa?
Rosa is beautiful, but it's risky to show her, especially to my stepmother.
Perhaps I'll just keep dreaming until I get another chance to see him.
And why am I even thinking about this? I need to go to the Estrados' house, but Mira is definitely on her way home, so I'll simply write a letter stating that I will visit their house tomorrow morning.
In the morning, after Mira and her daughter Minerva departed, I made the decision to leave, despite knowing that Myra would be left alone at home. Following her suggestion, I informed Gerald about her condition and paid him a visit. Suddenly, Gerald became filled with sadness and regret, fearing that he may have been the cause of Myra's illness.
What could he have done? Did he transmit a contagious illness to Myra? I hope I won't be the next one to fall ill. I pray that it won't disrupt my plans.
I left a basket of fresh fruits on Myra's table, accompanied by a letter from Gerald. She read the letter with joy and even gave me some money as a token of appreciation.
I hesitated about whether to accept it or not. After all, I am currently unemployed and in need of money. I fear that my savings in the storeroom may soon be depleted.
And now, I find myself standing in front of the Estrados' house, where I catch a glimpse of Yana through the window, along with Youssef, Lord Nathaniel's son whom she has embraced as her own since their marriage. I can't help but wonder about her feelings towards marriage. Is she genuinely happy? Does she harbor any fears, or has getting married become a normal thing for her?
As I approached the door, I gently knocked, and Lord Nathaniel promptly opened it, his expression serious.