Chapter 2
893 Words
Sarwa's PoV
"Good evening, young madam," the head servant greeted.
I smiled. "Good evening, Mama Rose."
"Shall I serve dinner for you?" she asked.
I nodded. "Thank you, Mama Rose. I'll just change for a minute."
Since my parents divorced, I had been sent to my grandmother's care. My elder sister stayed with Mom and my elder brother with Dad. When my grandmother passed away five years ago, I remained in her mansion. I was only thirteen back then and couldn't take care of myself, so Mama Rose took me in. Aside from financial support, both of my parents seemed to have forgotten I existed — but I was used to it. I had stopped believing in unconditional love anyway.
When I went to the kitchen everything was ready. I saw Mama Rose and Dada Rod packing their things to leave for the side courtyard that served as the servants' quarters. No matter how hard I pleaded for them to move in with me, they always refused. They were a couple with no children; they treated me like their own but never let me step out of line. I sat and called them over.
"Mama Rose, Dada Rod, come join me, please," I pleaded.
"Sorry, young madam. I'm afraid we must go now. We need to return to our hometown. My mother is near death and wishes to see us. I'm also afraid you will be alone in the meantime," Mama Rose said, guilt in her voice.
"It's already dark, Mama," I said. "Will you be okay traveling by bus? Why not use our family car so it's more comfortable?"
Though I was sad, I knew I couldn't hold them back.
"How will you get to school then, young madam?" Dada Rod asked.
"I'll just ride with Julian or Zeyan. Besides, I don't know how to drive," I replied, forcing confidence. "You should take the car."
"In that case, thank you, young madam. Take care of yourself," Dada Rod said.
I escorted them to the gate.
"You two take care," I waved. Then I went back inside to have my dinner. For the meantime, I would be alone again.
Zeyan's PoV
I was about to sleep when Sarwa's driver, Mr. Rod, called.
"Young Master? I'm sorry for the inconvenience. Can you look out for our young madam? We had to leave town for our province urgently. I'm afraid she'll be left all alone. You're the only one I trust to take care of her." His voice sounded pleading.
"Don't worry, Mr. Rod. I'll go right now." I grabbed my car keys.
"Thank you, Young Master," he replied.
I hung up and checked my reflection in the mirror before heading out.
I drove to the mansion gate and called Sarwa.
"What is it?" she snapped.
"Open the gate. I'm outside," I said.
She hung up. A few moments later someone rushed to the gate and opened it.
"Hop in. Do you usually go out like that?" I asked.
She was wearing a red nightgown that made her look dangerously alluring. I glared.
"Excuse me? I wasn't going out. It's past nine — how would you expect me to dress? I'm about to sleep. I'm not like you, who spends time at nightclubs," she said, sarcastic.
"Did Julian see you dressed like this?" I demanded. I didn't know why I needed to know, but I did.
"Hell no! He's a saint — how could I taint his eyes with this? Julian never barges in here at night," she replied. "And what does this have to do with Julian?" she added, narrowing her eyes.
"Nothing," I said, forcing a smile. "Just—don't let anyone else see you like this. Not even Julian." I chuckled.
"What the—? Do you have a thing for me?" Her brows shot up.
"No way. I'm just afraid someone will see you and think that dress is ugly," I teased.
She punched my shoulder and climbed out of the car.
"What's with the late-night visit anyway? Did Mama Rose and Dada Rod call you?"
I nodded. "Yeah. They're worried the neighborhood will be chaotic if they leave you alone," I said, half-joking. "I'll stay here until they get back."
I followed her inside. I was used to sleeping here. Back when I lived at the Coles' estate, I couldn't come home late or drunk, so I used any excuse to sleep at Sarwa's. She had given me a room. Whenever I fought with my parents, I had a place to stay — until I moved into my own apartment.
"Are my things still here?" I asked.
"Yeah, in your room," she said, handing me a glass of water.
"It's the weekend tomorrow and Mama Rose and Dada Rod aren't here. I want to try something," she said, sitting beside me and staring intently. My heart started pounding so hard I could hear it. Was she seducing me? No — I had to control myself.
"W-w-what do you mean?" I asked, nervous.
"I want to try beer. Can you buy some for us?" she pouted.
"No!" I blurted, panicking.
She moved closer. "Please." If this went further, I wouldn't be able to control myself.
"Okay! Okay — I'll buy it," I said.
"Yay! I'll wait for you." she replied happily.
I rushed out. Damn — why was she so tempting?
- Writer
