The next morning, Ethan stood by the large windows of his study, gazing at the sprawling gardens outside. The quiet from the night before lingered, filling the air with an unusual sense of peace. Yet, his thoughts were anything but tranquil.
The system's notifications kept echoing in his mind: Trust Growing. Special Memory Locked. It intrigued and frustrated him in equal measure. What memory was the system hinting at?
Ethan didn't have to wait long to be distracted. A knock sounded at the door, and Amara's voice followed. "May I come in?"
"Enter," he said, turning away from the window.
Amara stepped inside, wearing a simple pastel dress. Her presence was calmer than before, though Ethan could sense a hint of nervousness beneath the surface.
"I wanted to thank you again for last night," she said, her gaze steady despite her hesitance. "It was...kind of you to think of me."
Ethan smirked, leaning against his desk. "Kindness isn't my specialty, Amara. But I thought you might need it."
Amara's lips twitched into the faintest of smiles. "Well, whatever it was, it helped. I slept better than I have in a long time."
Ethan's eyes sharpened slightly. With his skill Empathetic Insight still active, he could feel the sincerity in her words. There was no pretense, no hidden agenda—just a fragile sense of gratitude and relief.
Ding!
Amara's Emotional Update: Contentment
Current Mood: Relaxed
Reward: 150 Pampering Points
"Have you ever thought about doing something for yourself?" Ethan asked suddenly.
Amara blinked. "For myself?"
"Yes," he said, his tone calm but firm. "Not for appearances, not for others' approval, but purely for your own happiness."
Her expression faltered as she looked away, her fingers fidgeting with the fabric of her dress. "I...don't think I know how to do that anymore."
Ethan stood straighter, his sharp gaze softening. "Then it's time you learned."
Ethan decided to put his words into action. He arranged for the estate's staff to prepare a relaxing day for Amara, including a private outing to the greenhouse and a small, quiet picnic in the gardens.
When he revealed the plan to Amara, her surprise was evident. "You planned this for me?"
"Think of it as an exercise," Ethan said, his tone dry but his eyes betraying a hint of amusement. "A lesson in prioritizing yourself."
Amara hesitated but eventually nodded, a shy smile forming on her lips. "Thank you, Ethan. Truly."
Ding!
Task Unlocked: Provide Amara with a Day of Relaxation
Reward: 300 Pampering Points
The day unfolded beautifully. Amara strolled through the greenhouse, her expression lighting up as she admired the exotic plants. Ethan accompanied her, his presence more relaxed than usual.
At one point, she stopped by a rare orchid, her fingers brushing the delicate petals. "This was my mother's favorite flower," she murmured, her voice tinged with nostalgia.
Ethan observed her quietly, noting the wistful look in her eyes. He didn't press further, sensing that this moment was hers alone.
The picnic followed, set up beneath a large oak tree. Amara seemed more at ease, even laughing softly at one of Ethan's dry remarks.
Ding!
Amara's Emotional Update: Joy
Current Mood: Happy
Reward: 200 Pampering Points
Ethan leaned back against the tree, watching her as she sipped tea. "You're different today," he remarked.
Amara looked at him, tilting her head curiously. "Different how?"
"Lighter. Less guarded."
Her expression softened. "I suppose...I feel like I can breathe again. Even if just for a moment."
Ethan nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "You'll feel it more often. You just need to trust yourself."
Ding!
Task Completed: Provide Amara with a Day of Relaxation
Reward: 300 Pampering Points
Bonus Reward: Insight into Amara's Past (Unlocked)
The last notification caught Ethan's attention. A faint image appeared in his mind—a memory not his own. It was Amara as a child, laughing with her mother in a sunlit garden. The joy in her eyes was radiant, but it was fleeting, quickly replaced by the shadow of sorrow.
Ethan's chest tightened as the memory faded, leaving him with a deeper understanding of Amara's vulnerability.
As the evening approached, Ethan and Amara returned to the estate. She thanked him again, her gratitude shining through in her smile.
Back in his study, Ethan opened the system interface, examining the details of the memory he had unlocked.
Insight Unlocked: Amara's Relationship with Her Mother
Emotional Impact: Deepened Bond
New Task Unlocked: Help Amara Reclaim Her Joy
Ethan closed the interface, leaning back in his chair. For the first time, the system felt less like a tool and more like a guide, pointing him toward something meaningful.
He had started this journey with the intention of survival and strategy, but now, he found himself genuinely invested in Amara's happiness. And for Ethan, that was a revelation in itself.
End of Chapter 12