The morning began with a sense of calm that Ethan found unusual. Typically, the estate buzzed with activity, but today it seemed quieter—a stillness that mirrored his own thoughts.
Amara's smile from the day before lingered in his mind. The memory the system had revealed—of her with her mother—also weighed heavily on him. There was more to Amara than the cruel "villainess" label the world had given her.
Sitting at his desk, Ethan opened the system interface. The new task loomed before him like a challenge:
Task Unlocked: Help Amara Reclaim Her Joy
Objective: Find a way to connect Amara to something she once loved.
Reward: 500 Pampering Points and Enhanced Trust Level.
Ethan smirked faintly. "Reclaim her joy? I suppose that's my responsibility now."
He closed the interface and rose, determined to uncover more about the woman the world had so unfairly maligned.
Ethan found Amara in the drawing room, seated by a grand piano. Her fingers brushed the keys absently, though she made no effort to play.
"You play?" Ethan asked, leaning casually against the doorframe.
Amara startled slightly but composed herself quickly. "I used to. It was one of the few things I truly enjoyed as a child."
"Why did you stop?"
Her gaze dropped to the keys. "After my mother passed, I lost interest. It felt...wrong to play without her."
Ethan stepped closer, his sharp gaze softening. "Perhaps it's time to change that."
Amara shook her head. "It's been years. I doubt I even remember how."
He straightened, his voice firm yet encouraging. "Then learn again. Not for anyone else, but for yourself."
Amara hesitated, her emotions flickering between doubt and intrigue.
Ding!
Amara's Emotional Update: Curiosity
Current Mood: Tentative but Interested.
Reward: 150 Pampering Points.
Ethan smirked slightly at the notification. "I'll make it easier for you. Consider it a lesson—not in perfection, but in trying."
Amara looked at him skeptically. "You're awfully persistent, aren't you?"
"I prefer to think of it as determined."
That evening, Ethan arranged for a music tutor to visit the estate. Amara protested at first, but Ethan's calm yet unyielding demeanor left her with little room to refuse.
The tutor was a kind older woman who immediately put Amara at ease. Ethan stayed in the background, watching silently as Amara tentatively placed her fingers on the keys. The initial notes were hesitant, but as the tutor guided her, her confidence grew.
By the end of the session, Amara managed to play a simple melody. Though far from perfect, it was a start, and the satisfaction on her face was undeniable.
Ding!
Task Progress: Help Amara Reclaim Her Joy (50%)
Amara's Confidence +10.
Bonus Reward: 100 Pampering Points.
Ethan approached as the tutor packed up to leave. "You did well," he said, his tone sincere.
Amara glanced at him, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. "It's a small step, but...thank you. For arranging this."
"Small steps lead to big changes," Ethan replied.
Ding!
Amara's Emotional Update: Gratitude
Current Mood: Appreciative.
Reward: 100 Pampering Points.
Later that night, Ethan returned to his study, opening the system interface to review his progress. The system store had a new recommendation, clearly tied to his recent actions.
[Masterpiece Composition Book]: Unlocks Amara's hidden potential in music. (800 Points)
Ethan smirked. "The system is getting ambitious."
Though the points required were substantial, he decided it was worth it. Amara's growth was becoming a personal mission, not just a task.
For now, he closed the interface and leaned back in his chair, his thoughts drifting to Amara. She was stronger than she realized, and Ethan was determined to help her see it.
End of Chapter 13