The early morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the Rowe estate, bathing the grand hall in a soft golden hue. Ethan sat in the dining room, a steaming cup of coffee in hand. He was deep in thought, planning the next steps for both the estate restoration and unraveling the mystery of Amara's mother's death.
The gentle sound of footsteps pulled him from his thoughts. He looked up to see Amara standing at the entrance of the dining hall, her hair slightly tousled and her expression hesitant. She was dressed in a simple but elegant morning gown, a marked departure from her usual guarded appearance.
"Good morning," Ethan greeted, setting his cup down.
"Good morning," Amara replied, her voice soft. She glanced at the table laden with breakfast options and then back at him. "You're up early."
"I could say the same about you," Ethan said with a faint smile. "Come, join me."
Amara hesitated for a moment before walking over and taking a seat across from him.
The meal began in a comfortable silence. Amara picked at a croissant, her gaze occasionally drifting to Ethan, who seemed entirely focused on his meal.
Finally, she broke the silence. "About yesterday... thank you."
Ethan looked up, his eyes meeting hers. "You don't have to thank me, Amara. I meant what I said—I'm here for you."
Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly looked away. "It's just... I'm not used to this. To someone caring."
"You'd better get used to it," Ethan said with a teasing edge, though his tone was sincere. "Because I'm not going anywhere."
Amara allowed herself a small smile, though the vulnerability in her eyes remained.
Ding!
Amara's Emotional Update: Growing Comfort
Current Mood: Tentatively Warm.
Reward: 300 Pampering Points.
Ethan's lips twitched at the notification, but he kept his focus on Amara.
After breakfast, Ethan suggested they take a walk through the gardens to see the progress of the restoration. Amara agreed, albeit with a hint of reluctance.
The gardens were already showing signs of transformation. The workers had cleared most of the overgrown plants, and the once-dilapidated fountain was being repaired. Amara's eyes lingered on the workers trimming the rose bushes.
"I remember playing here as a child," she said quietly. "Before everything changed."
Ethan walked beside her, his hands in his pockets. "What changed?"
She hesitated, her expression darkening. "After my mother died, my father closed off this part of the estate. He said it was a waste of resources to maintain it. But I think... he just wanted to erase her presence."
Ethan's jaw tightened. "And in doing so, he erased part of your happiness."
Amara nodded, her gaze distant.
As they continued their walk, Amara's steps slowed near a smaller, hidden section of the garden. A weathered bench sat beneath a sprawling oak tree, its branches casting dappled shadows on the ground.
"I used to sit here with her," Amara said, her voice barely above a whisper. "She'd read me stories about brave heroines who overcame impossible odds. She always told me I could be like them someday."
Ethan sat down on the bench, patting the spot beside him. "She was right, you know. You're stronger than you realize."
Amara hesitated before sitting beside him, her hands folded in her lap. "I don't feel strong."
"Strength isn't about never feeling weak," Ethan said. "It's about pushing forward even when you do."
Amara turned to look at him, her eyes searching his face for any hint of insincerity. She found none.
Ding!
New Task Unlocked: Help Amara Reconnect with Her Mother's Legacy
Objective: Discover items or memories that bring Amara closer to her late mother.
Reward: 2000 Pampering Points + Item: Memory Restoration Crystal.
Ethan's mind churned with possibilities. He didn't know what this "Memory Restoration Crystal" was, but he was determined to find whatever would help Amara heal.
The rest of the day passed quietly. Ethan spent his time overseeing the restoration work while Amara delved deeper into her mother's journal. By evening, the estate felt a little less somber, a little more alive.
That night, as Amara prepared for bed, she found herself lingering outside Ethan's room. She hesitated, her hand hovering over the doorknob.
Why am I here? she wondered.
Before she could talk herself out of it, she knocked lightly.
Ethan opened the door almost immediately, his expression softening when he saw her. "Amara? Is something wrong?"
She shook her head, her cheeks warming. "No, I just... I wanted to say goodnight."
Ethan smiled, leaning against the doorframe. "Goodnight, Amara."
Her lips curved into a small smile. "Goodnight, Ethan."
As she walked back to her room, her heart felt lighter than it had in years.
Ding!
Amara's Emotional Update: Contentment
Current Mood: Calm and Lighthearted.
Reward: 500 Pampering Points.
Ethan closed his door, a satisfied smirk on his face. Slowly but surely, he was bringing light back into Amara's life—and he wasn't about to stop now.
End of Chapter 20