Love Metamorphosis

The Invisible Burden

The following days passed like an exhausting routine. Anna began to grow accustomed to Sonia's constant commands filling the air in the Schneider house. However, the fatigue she felt was not just from physical work, but from the emotional pressure that continued to mount.

One morning, as Anna was sweeping the dining room, Sonia entered with her usual dissatisfied expression.

“Anna, the flowers in the living room vase are wilting. Do you even notice small things like that?” Sonia’s voice was sharp like a whip.

Anna held her breath. “Sorry, Mom. I’ll replace them right away.”

Sonia snorted and said, “Make sure you pick fresh flowers from the garden. Don’t waste time on anything else.”

Without saying anything, Anna put down the broom and walked toward the garden. She tried to enjoy the fresh air outside, but even that felt dull. This house was like a trap, slowly strangling her.

---

While picking flowers in the garden, an old man who worked as the gardener approached her. His name was Giovanni, a loyal worker of the Schneider family who had lived there for decades.

“You look tired, Miss,” he said gently with a strong Italian accent.

Anna smiled faintly. “Just a little busy, Giovanni. I’m fine.”

The old man shook his head, looking at Anna with a compassionate gaze. “I’ve been here a long time, Miss. I know what the Schneider family is like. You need to take care of yourself.”

His words touched Anna’s heart. She wanted to ask more, but Giovanni had already returned to his work, leaving Anna with her thoughts.

---

When Anna returned inside, she heard laughter coming from the living room. The sound was from Rio and Sonia, who were chatting casually while enjoying a cup of tea.

“Have you checked the vineyard’s financial report?” Sonia asked, her tone warm, so different from how she spoke to Anna.

“I have, Mom. Everything is running smoothly,” Rio replied, looking relaxed.

Anna stopped in the doorway, watching them from a distance. She wanted to join them, but she knew her presence would only ruin the atmosphere. Sonia always treated Rio like a prince, while Anna felt like an unwanted servant.

She turned and walked away, bringing the vase of flowers to the living room and placing it on the table without a word.

“Anna,” Sonia called, making her stop.

“Yes, Mom?”

Sonia stared at the flowers in the vase with a dissatisfied expression. “This is too simple. Next time, pick more eye-catching flowers. This house needs beauty, not something ordinary.”

Anna wanted to respond, but she held back. She simply nodded and left, leaving Sonia and Rio to continue their conversation.

---

As night arrived, Anna sat alone in their bedroom. Rio hadn’t returned; he said he had business in town. Anna tried to distract herself by reading, but her concentration was disturbed by sounds coming from outside the window.

She opened the window and saw the lights in the vineyard. Rio’s figure appeared, walking with someone—Claudia.

Anna watched them from a distance, her heart racing. She couldn’t hear what they were saying, but the way Claudia laughed and touched Rio’s arm was enough to make her uncomfortable.

Rio returned late that night, and Anna decided to wait for him. When he entered the room, his face looked tired, but he tried to smile.

“You’re still awake?” he asked.

“Rio,” Anna began cautiously, “I saw you in the garden earlier, with Claudia.”

Rio furrowed his brow. “I was discussing business, Anna. Why are you so suspicious?”

“That’s not what I meant,” Anna replied, her voice trembling. “But why is Claudia always here? She’s too involved in our affairs.”

Rio sighed deeply and sat on the edge of the bed. “Anna, Claudia is an old friend of this family. She helps with a lot of things, especially with the vineyard business. You need to learn to trust her.”

“How can I trust someone who keeps undermining me in front of others?” Anna asked, her emotions starting to rise.

Rio stood up, staring at Anna sharply. “Maybe you need to learn more about life here, Anna. The world isn’t as you imagined.”

With those words, he went to the bathroom, leaving Anna alone.

---

The next day, Anna decided to go to town alone. She needed some fresh air, something to make her feel alive again. At the small market, she wandered around, trying to forget her troubles at home.

When she stopped at a flower stall, she heard a familiar voice. She turned and saw Claudia, talking to a young man. They looked very close, even laughing together.

Anna felt something stir inside her. She wanted to approach Claudia, but she didn’t know what she would say. Before she could decide, Claudia turned and saw her.

“Oh, Anna!” Claudia exclaimed with a wide smile. “What are you doing here?”

“Just getting some fresh air,” Anna replied briefly.

Claudia glanced at the man next to her and said, “This is my old friend, Marco. He just returned to the city after a few years abroad.”

Anna nodded politely, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that Claudia was hiding something.

---

When Anna returned home, Sonia was waiting for her in the kitchen with an angry expression.

“Where have you been?” Sonia demanded.

“I just went to the market for a little while,” Anna answered.

“And left your duties here? Do you think this house will run itself without your help?”

Anna felt her emotions boil. “Mom Sonia, I just needed some time for myself. I’m tired.”

Sonia stepped closer, glaring at her. “Tired? You haven’t even done half of what I’ve done for this family over the years. Don’t be a burden, Anna.”

Those words were like a slap to Anna’s face. She lowered her head, trying to hold back tears, but her heart was already too hurt.

---

That night, Anna sat alone in their room, reflecting on everything that had happened. She felt like a shadow in this house, someone who was never considered important. But beneath the pain, she began to feel something new: courage.

“If they think I’m weak, I’ll show them they’re wrong,” she murmured quietly.

For the first time, Anna began to plan small steps to protect herself. She didn’t know where this would lead, but she knew one thing: she wouldn’t let herself be trampled on anymore.