Chapter 4
1328 Words
Rainah's POV
Light crept through the window and settled quietly on my eyelids. I shifted slightly, letting out a faint groan before slowly opening my eyes.
Mornings were never my favorite.
I stretched out one arm and used the other to push against the mattress, gently sitting up. My muscles relaxed as I moved, like a kitten easing into wakefulness. My eyes scanned the room until they landed on my phone, lying just beyond the pillow.
I reached out quietly, fingertips brushing the edge, then turned onto my stomach to grab it. Resting my chin on the pillow, I unlocked it and glanced at the screen.
A small smile tugged at my lips.
Friday.
I sat up a little straighter and moved toward the bathroom, the wooden floor cool under my feet. I washed up, quietly going about my routine. The lavender-scented soap calmed me as I bathed, and I let the water run over me for a while. I softly hummed to myself—not loudly, just under my breath. It’s something I started doing over the years when I was alone; a habit that brought me a quiet kind of comfort.
Once done, I wrapped my favorite pink towel around me and tiptoed out into my small, cozy closet. It wasn’t much, but it was mine, and I liked it that way.
After a few minutes of quiet indecision, I picked a white lace midi dress with thin spaghetti straps, along with a matching pair of simple white lace panties. The fabric was soft and light. I didn’t need a bra with it, and that was fine. I added my most comfortable white sneakers.
It felt peaceful—just a simple, quiet kind of morning.
I laid my clothes on the bed and sat in front of the mirror. My hair was still damp, but I didn’t bother with the dryer. I let it air dry as I ran a comb through gently, careful not to tug too hard. I moisturized my skin, then stepped into the dress and slipped on the shoes.
I didn't do much with my face—just a little cream, a stroke of eyeliner, and some lip balm. My hair I let loose, falling softly around my shoulders. I checked my reflection once more.
I looked... okay.
I grabbed my purse and phone, then walked quietly to the kitchen.
The moment I stepped in, a familiar sweet aroma met me. Kheer. Mom must be in the kitchen.
“Good morning, Mommy,” I said softly as I hugged her from behind. She was busy stirring the dish.
“Good morning, sweetheart. Heading out?” she asked with a warm smile.
I nodded. “How do I look? And… did you pack the cupcakes from last night?”
“You look lovely, as always. And yes, I packed them—they’re on the coffee table,” she said, pointing.
Our house wasn’t very big, but it had everything we needed—two floors, a small garden in front, and a cozy backyard. For just the three of us, it felt complete.
As I sat quietly on the kitchen stool, I watched my mom move around the kitchen with ease. Everything she did was with love. Her presence always brought a calming warmth.
“Aha, I can already tell I’m about to have a delicious breakfast,” Dad’s voice drifted in as he entered the kitchen, phone still at his ear. From the way he chuckled and talked, I guessed he was speaking with Uncle Dorey—his best friend, who lived in Florida and visited every six months.
“Good morning, honey,” Dad greeted Mom, kissing her cheek. She blushed like a teenager, and I smiled quietly at the sight. They were sweet together.
“Yes, Dorey. The smell is amazing. Don’t worry, since you’re not here, I’ll gladly eat your share,” Dad teased over the phone, making all of us laugh. He sat beside me and gave my forehead a soft kiss. “Good morning, Rainy.”
“Good morning, Daddy,” I whispered.
Mom soon served us warm bowls of Kheer and joined us at the table. Dad ended his call, and we ate together, the kitchen filled with gentle chatter.
“Rainy, going somewhere today?” Dad asked between spoonfuls.
I nodded softly, blowing gently on my Kheer to cool it. “The orphanage.”
“Ohh… lucky kids,” he smiled. “Say, may I steal just one of those cupcakes you made?”
I widened my eyes playfully and shook my head, cheeks puffed as I chewed. “Nawoo,” I said, mouth still full. They laughed at my pout.
It all felt so normal—so warm. And yet, part of me never took it for granted. Sharing quiet mornings like this… it was something I once thought I’d never have.
After breakfast, I kissed both of them gently on their cheeks, picked up the bag of cupcakes, and headed out.
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✧
I was listening to my music when a message popped up from an unknown number.
From: Unknown Number
…
I didn’t open it. It felt… odd. But I assumed it was just a wrong number and left it unread. My stop was nearing anyway.
As the bus came to a halt, I got off and started walking. The familiar path to the Riverville Orphanage felt comforting.
The building stood quietly in the morning sun, but the moment I stepped closer, a small figure rushed toward me.
“Kito…” I murmured softly, bending down to hug him.
The little boy barely reached my waist, but his arms wrapped tightly around me.
“Sister, did you bring something for us?” he asked, eyes wide with anticipation.
I smiled and opened the bag just enough to show the cupcakes. His eyes lit up like stars.
“Everyone! Sister brought cupcakes!” he called out, his tiny voice echoing with joy.
One by one, children came running over—soft laughter and cheerful requests filling the air.
“I want one!”
“Me too, me too!”
“Sister, give me first!”
I let out a soft chuckle and asked them to go inside first. “Only if everyone sits quietly inside, okay?”
They nodded eagerly and scattered back into the orphanage.
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Third-Person POV
Inside a sleek, coal-black SUV parked quietly across the street, a man sat still—his profile calm, almost unreadable. A cigar rested between his fingers as wisps of smoke danced out the window.
His eyes were fixed on her. Not just watching—but observing. Studying her movements, her smile, her presence.
She was older now. Still soft, still delicate—but even more beautiful than he remembered.
His gaze lingered as she disappeared inside the orphanage.
The driver, seated in front, dared not speak—though he could feel the weight in the air. His master’s thoughts were a mystery, but the intensity of his stare spoke volumes.
A quiet voice broke the silence.
“Baby girl… you’ve grown into a fine woman.”
The driver tensed slightly. He had heard that tone before.
“I wonder what it will feel like… to finally have you.” His master’s voice remained calm, almost whisper-like. But his words carried something deeper—something darker.
“You’ll be mine, Princess,” he murmured, a trace of a smirk curling at his lips. One slender finger brushed his mouth as his thoughts spiraled—wild, obsessive, possessive.
He exhaled slowly.
“What time is it?” he asked quietly.
“It’s almost 10 a.m., Master,” the driver responded instantly.
A pause.
“Let’s go,” he said, his voice cool again.
The SUV began to move—quietly, smoothly—melting into the morning traffic without another word.
Where it went, no one could tell.
And what he was truly thinking... remained a mystery.
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- Writer
