Echoes of Fall's Farewell

Chapter 4: His Overcasted Eyes

Chapter 4

His Overcasted Eyes

I jolted awake, feeling a strong tap on my cheek. My breath was heavy, and my heart raced as I opened my eyes. My hand instinctively went to my chest, feeling the pounding sensation. My heart was racing violently, as if trying to break free from my ribcage. I squeezed my eyes shut, attempting to calm myself down.

Was it all just a dream?

Out of nowhere, I heard someone groan beside me. "Hey, are you planning to sleep the day away, señorita? Come on, wake up!" she exclaimed, giving me a shake.

My forehead furrowed, and I opened my eyes to find myself staring at a white ceiling with sunken panels and a beaded chandelier hanging in the center. I turned my head to see a woman standing beside me, her arms crossed over her chest, and a cocky arch in her eyebrow. I swallowed hard.

She was stunningly beautiful, making me suddenly feel self-conscious. Her face was flawless and baby-soft, a sharp contrast to my bruised and scarred, weathered skin. Her impassive brown eyes, deep-set and smoky, looked mesmerizing. Though her eyes seemed expressionless, her long, curly lashes and perfectly arched brows gave them life.

She also had a delicate, Grecian nose that was pointed and slightly downturned, along with plump, light peach lips that formed a medium heart shape. What completed her appearance was not just her chestnut brown hair, styled in long, feathered waves, but the way she carried herself with an air of confidence, even when she was pouting.

"What?" she spoke again. "Are you just going to stare at me? I might melt!"

I blinked and shifted away from her on the bed, averting my gaze. I hadn't experienced amnesia; I could still vividly remember what had happened before waking up in that room. I had almost been hit by a vehicle, and then... someone with massive arms scooped me up before I blacked out.

"How are you related to the Archulettas?" I asked hesitantly, afraid that she might be connected to them.

"Archulettas?" she repeated.

I sighed, realizing she wasn't part of their family.

"Oh, come on! Spit it out!" she grumbled and plopped down beside me. "What's with the Archulettas? Is that your last name?"

So close to being one.

I exhaled. I didn't realize that the wealthy folks could be gossipy as well. I thought they were too busy throwing money around to meddle in the lives of unnecessary human beings.

"They were supposed to... take me in..."

Her eyes widened. "Are you really homeless?"

I didn't respond. Was I homeless? I wasn't sure. I had a home, but it had never felt like one.

"Just asking. My brother said you're homeless, but I beg to disagree. You have your clothes with you. You're clean-well, not completely clean, but compared to other street children out there, you're not that dirty. Hmm... You ran away from home, didn't you?"

I stayed silent. I suddenly remembered Mama. I had no idea what time it was, but I assumed she already knew about my escape. Perhaps she was looking for me now. Did she ask my friends about me? I was certain they were worried too.

"Okay..." The woman let out a deep sigh. "I'm not gonna pry anymore. But seriously, you gotta get up. My parents are on their way back, and us 'eating together' only happens once in a blue moon. Hah! Too bad you picked this moment to be here; now you're obligated to join the dinner too."

"What do you mean, 'I picked' - "

"I'm gonna call Manang Beth to assist you." She stood up from the bed and looked at me. "By the way, I did a little raid inside your bag. Please don't wear those rags while you're here. Disgusting! I'm gonna give you my old clothes instead."

I couldn't help but grimace at her words. "It's not necessary. I won't be staying long anyway."

"And where do you think you're going, huh?"

My tongue tied itself into knots. I didn't know how to answer her question. Maybe her brother was right. I was homeless.

"Fine! Fine! Just drop it! I'm gonna call Manang to assist you while I'm taking a quick bath. I'll also send over what you should wear for dinner. And take note, they are fancy!" She flipped her hair and rolled her eyes before turning her back on me.

At that point in my life, I felt as if I had suddenly lost my way. I didn't know where I was supposed to go, what I was supposed to do, and what was supposed to happen in my life.

"How are you feeling?" an elderly woman greeted as she entered the room.

I propped myself up on the bed, resting my arms on it as I slowly rose. When the elderly woman noticed my grimace, she placed the neatly folded towel beside the bed and offered me assistance.

"Take it slowly..."

I groaned as I felt a twinge of pain in my lower back. "Why..." I winced and rubbed my hip, "...did you bring me here?" They should have taken me to a nearby hospital instead.

"The siblings brought you here. Eyco almost hit you with his car. How are you feeling?"

"My body is still aching a bit," I replied. "But they should have taken me to the hospital."

She nodded. "Eyco wanted to bring you to the hospital, but Addi insisted they should hurry to make it to the dinner. By the way, the Bellafiore family doctor came here earlier. You missed it because you were still sleeping."

"Bellafiore?"

She moved away from the bed and picked up the neatly folded towel. "They're the owners of this mansion," she replied briefly as she handed me the towel. "Go ahead and take a shower. Ma'am Nevy wants to talk to you downstairs. The bathroom is on the other side of the door, and there's shampoo and soap there. You can also use the heater if you're feeling cold. And here, Addi lent you this dress. She said you should wear it," she instructed and placed the garment on my lap.

Manang Beth helped me lie down in the bathtub to make me more comfortable. Even though I wasn't used to it, I simply followed her lead. She also handed me the shampoo, soap, and a sponge so I wouldn't have to stand up. She reminded me that the Bellafiore couple was already on their way home, and it was important for me to finish within thirty minutes.

My body trembled as I opened the door. Manang Beth quickly turned her attention to me and came closer to assist.

"Do your bruises hurt?" she asked.

I bit my lip and nodded gently.

Manang Beth held my arm and let out a deep exhale. "Don't worry. Eyco asked the doctor to come back tomorrow to check on you again."

I didn't say anything and let her do what she wanted. After a few minutes, she brought in three more household staff members. They helped me get ready from my hair to my clothes. They even made adjustments to make Addi's dress look smaller on me. It was quite loose on me since Addi had a fuller figure. She seemed to possess all the beauty in the world.

"Are you ready?" Addi asked as she led me to their dining area.

I couldn't answer. I was so nervous that I felt like I could vomit at any moment. What would the Bellafiore couple look like? What about her brother? Did she have any other siblings? Were they snobbish? How would I even manage to interact with them? I pouted. They were way out of my league. I was afraid that people as affluent as them wouldn't appreciate someone as ordinary as me, both in speech and demeanor.

Addi chuckled. "Don't worry. My family doesn't bite."

"But I'm really nervous," I honestly admitted.

"Just go with the flow and follow basic dining etiquette. Dad can be a bit strict, but he's good. As for my siblings," she shrugged, "they might come off as aloof, but you don't have to pay much attention to them. Mommy may look intimidating, but she's the friendliest to me. You can talk to her about anything, and she'll listen attentively. Just remember, no bad language."

I tried to absorb all the information she was giving me as we walked. I counted on my fingers all the things I needed to keep in mind. It was a good thing that the mansion was huge-well, that was an understatement; it was too massive to describe in words-so it would take a while to reach the dining area.

After passing what I assumed was the main living room, Addi pushed open the double doors, revealing a rectangular table adorned with a mouth-watering full-course meal. My hungry stomach growled.

To prevent myself from drooling, I averted my eyes from the food and scanned the surroundings until they landed on the people gathered around the table.

Seated at the head was a distinguished-looking man dressed in a crisp white long-sleeve polo, folded up to his elbows. The gleaming gold watch and ring on his hand caught the light, contrasting with the stormy darkness in his eyes. I presumed him to be the head of the family.

"Addison, my baby girl!"

I turned my head towards the mixed-race woman who emerged from a door.

"Mom!" Addi momentarily left my side and approached her, embracing her. "I missed you."

"I missed you too, Darling. I heard you're going to introduce a friend."

They both turned their gaze towards me. I felt my stomach churn as the woman's eyes met mine. My heart only calmed slightly when she smiled at me.

"Hi!" She came closer and gave me a warm embrace. I felt myself stiffen in place. "Your name is?" She smiled at me when she let me go.

I shyly smiled back. "F-Freesia, ma'am..."

Her eyes widened. "Freesia? You mean, the flower? Freesia?"

I chuckled and nodded. She was so endearing.

"Oh!" She laughed. "I suddenly remember an old friend. His mother runs a flower field in the province, and her favorite flower is freesia. My friend says the flower symbolizes trust and innocence. It suits you perfectly. Your face looks pretty innocent too!" she remarked and touched my chin. I let out a soft laugh. It reminded me of what Papa used to say.

I thought she was about to say more when her phone interrupted her. She frowned and checked it.

"Work won't let me eat in peace, huh? I'll just take this. Excuse me." She gave an apologetic look to her husband before excusing herself.

Addi approached me again, pouting. I laughed softly. She really resembled her mother.

"Move faster, please," someone with a cold voice said.

I turned my attention back to the table. I almost stumbled in my spot when my eyes landed on the youngest member of the family.

I felt a tight knot forming in my stomach as I chewed on my lips. I had never been that nervous around a child. He simply stared at the roasted chicken with furrowed brows and a slightly upturned nose. It was as if the chicken had personally offended him. I pressed my palms together, feeling a bit unsure of myself.

"Addison, please tell your visitor to take her seat. We're all hungry as wolves. Is she waiting for someone to pull out a chair for her?" another guy spoke.

"Kuya!" Addi shouted next to me.

My blood ran cold. The guy I assumed was the eldest brother glared directly and intensely at me, his gaze as dark as a shadowy forest. The dangerous expression on his face was twice as intense as the child's sitting next to him. I couldn't help but notice his thick brows and long lashes, which only added to the spine-chilling effect. His eyes were clouded and his presence sent shivers down my spine. I struggled to calm my pounding chest as I gulped down a breath of air. I couldn't understand why his mere presence made me feel so uneasy.

I blinked as he rose from his seat and approached me. His chiseled jaw was clenched tightly, his deep-set eyes ablaze, his arched brows furrowed, and his rosy lips pressed into a thin line. I swallowed hard, trying to calm myself. His intense presence near me was making me feel jumpy, and I didn't know why.

My heart raced as he stopped in front of me. Without breaking his gaze, he pulled out the nearest chair by its backrest and offered it to me.

"Or do you want me to carry you instead?"

The sound of the old man coughing and choking on his wine echoed through the room. Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I ran my tongue over my lips, feeling embarrassed. Jeez.

What on earth was wrong with him?