Chapter 12: A Jewel without a Crown
358 Words
To her surprise, Candy was there—standing patiently with a soft smile and holding a delicate pink dress.
“Good morning, little Miss,” she said kindly. “I thought this might brighten your day.”
Candy helped her dress and gently styled her hair into two high ponytails.
“You look so adorable,” she beamed. “Just like a real-life doll.”
June smiled shyly. “Thank you.”
Candy’s expression softened. “I’m really sorry about what happened yesterday. Don’t let mean words live in your heart, June. You’re far too special for that.”
June nodded. “It’s okay. I understand. I’m sorry for not opening the door.”
Candy gave her a warm hug. “That’s alright. Let’s make today a better day.”
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Candy left the room, and after a moment, June quietly followed behind her. She entered the dining room and found Selena and Justin already seated at the table. They barely glanced her way, offering no words of warmth or welcome, before returning to their meals.
June lowered her gaze and quietly took her seat. She reached for the porridge and began to eat in silence, her small hands moving carefully, as if afraid of disturbing the still air around the table. It became her routine—sit, eat, leave. No questions, no conversations. Just silence.
Days turned into weeks, and life began to fall into a steady rhythm. Each morning, Candy dressed her neatly and sent her off to school. The school itself was prestigious, filled with children from wealthy families. Though her uncle’s family was not the richest in City Y, they were still among its respected elites, and that status opened doors for June.
At school, she found herself slowly surrounded by friends. She laughed, she played, she learned—and for those few hours, she felt like any other child, free and lighthearted.
But when she returned home, the warmth disappeared. At the villa, she slipped back into her quiet cycle—eat, study, retreat to her room. The walls of Rain Villa were beautiful, but to June, they often felt cold and distant.
- Writer
