Amelia woke to a soft but persistent knocking. Her eyes fluttered open, heavy with exhaustion. For a moment she stared at the unfamiliar ceiling, confused until the knocking came again.
She forced herself up with a groan and shuffled to the door. When she opened it, Butler Noah stood there, hands neatly clasped behind his back.
"Good morning, Miss Amelia" he said with a warm, respectful smile. " We have been waiting for you to come downstairs for breakfast."
Amelia rubbed her eyes. "Could I… have a few minutes to freshen up?"
"Of course" Butler Noah nodded. "I will wait downstairs."
As soon as the door closed, she rushed into the bathroom. She washed her face, brushed her teeth, and splashed cold water on her cheeks to wake herself up. A quick finger-comb through her hair, good enough.
Stepping out, she instinctively turned toward the stairs then froze.
Aldric's voice echoed in her head.
"Use the elevator. If you want to meet Moon, take the stairs."
She immediately pivoted and walked straight to the elevator, pressing the button with a tiny sigh. I am not taking any on day one…
On the ground floor, Butler Noah guided her to the dining room. Her eyes widened slightly the moment she stepped in. The long table was covered with food, fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, soup, and dishes she couldn't even name.
All this… just for breakfast? For one person?
She sat stiffly and began eating, quiet and cautious. Her gaze drifted around the room, unconsciously searching for someone.
Butler Noah noticed. "Are you looking for Master ?"
Amelia paused. "Yes… I thought he'd be here."
His smile stayed polite, but carried distance. "Master will not be around for some time."
"Oh… when will he be back?"
"I'm not certain. Master's schedule changes frequently."
"Oh." She nodded, biting her lip. Right. Don't ask questions. No catching feelings. Don't act like you care.
She lowered her eyes and finished her meal in silence. After thanking Butler Noah, she returned to her room.
She lay on the bed for a moment, staring at the ceiling. Eventually, she reached for her phone then froze as the screen lit up.
A notification.
A deposit alert.
$50,000.00
Amelia shot upright. "Fifty… thousand?" She tapped the transaction details. The sender name didn't ring a bell but she knew exactly who it was.
He actually sent it…
Her chest tightened with a mix of shock, relief, and discomfort. That money could change everything. It was more than she had ever seen in her life.
She set the phone aside, afraid to stare at the number too long, then opened the wardrobe. She pulled out a simple blue dress and slipped it on. Grabbing her bag, she quietly stepped out.
She had barely reached the main entrance when Butler Nosh approached again.
"Miss Amelia, if you wish to go out, please allow the driver to take you" he said gently. "Master insisted your safety"
Amelia quickly shook her head. "It's okay. I'll be fine. I… just need some air."
Butler Noah hesitated. "Then at least allow the driver to follow behind"
"I'll be back early" she cut in with a small smile, already inching away.
Before he could insist again, she waved and slipped off.
From last night's car ride, she remembered the way clearly. The walk from the mansion to the main road wasn't far, ten minutes at most.
The morning air was crisp as she descended the quiet mountainside path. Birds chirped. The scenery was beautiful, almost unreal but her mind was elsewhere.
At the road, she flagged down a taxi.
"Where to?" the driver asked.
Amelia slid into the backseat, exhaling.
"The hospital, please."
When she reached the hospital, she didn't slow down. She went straight to Aunty Zoe's ward, heart racing with anticipation. The moment she opened the door, the familiar scene warmed her chest. Zoe was sitting up, glasses on, quietly reading.
"Aunty Zoe" Amelia called softly, her voice trembling with joy.
Zoe looked up, surprised then her face brightened. Before she could react, Amelia rushed over and wrapped her in a tight hug.
"Amelia, my dear" Zoe laughed, patting her back. "You came so early today. I missed you."
"I missed you too" Amelia said, pulling back. Zoe's gentle smile always made her feel safe. This woman had raised her like her own, she was the only family Amelia had.
"So" Zoe adjusted her glasses, studying her face carefully. "How's the new job? They're treating you well, right?"
Amelia forced a cheerful smile. "It's good. A bit stressful, but I'm managing."
She unpacked the food, she had bought warm soup, fruit, pastries and arranged them neatly on the table like small gifts.
Amelia's brows lifted. "These look expensive. Are they paying you that much? You shouldn't waste—"
"It's not a waste" Amelia cut in gently. "And yes… the pay is really good. I already received a high amount." She took Zoe's hand, "Your medical fees are all settled now, Aunty. From today onward… we're going to live well."
Zoe's expression softened with relief. She cupped Amelia's cheek tenderly. "You've worked so hard your whole life. I'm proud of you."
The words tightened Amelia's throat. She quickly lowered her gaze so Zoe wouldn't see the pain flicker through her eyes.
Zoe ate with a bright smile, savoring every bite. Watching her enjoy the food warmed Amelia's heart yet the weight of her lie sat heavy inside her.
When Zoe finished, Amelia packed up the containers and stood. "Let's get some fresh air, okay?"
She helped Zoe into her wheelchair and pushed her toward the small garden. The air was cool, sunlight gentle, and the soft chatter of patients filled the space.
As they strolled, Zow asked, "Where's Emily? She didn't come with you today?"
Amelia blinked, her smile faltering for a second. "She's fine. She just had something urgent to handle today. She'll visit soon."
"I see" Zoe nodded. "Send her my greetings."
Amelia exchanged brief greetings with a few of Zoe's hospital friends. After a while, she brought her back to the ward and helped her settle into bed again.
"Aunty Zoe, I'll get going. Rest well, alright?"
"Take care" Zoe said, squeezing her hand. "And don't overwork yourself."
Amelia nodded, blinking away the sting in her eyes. She waved and left the room.
The moment she reached a quiet corner outside, her composure crumbled.
She sank onto a bench, buried her face in her hands, and tears slipped free. She was relieved, truly relieved that Zoe's bills were paid. But the lie she had told… it twisted painfully inside her.
"I'm sorry, Aunty" she whispered, voice shaking. "I don't want to lie to you… but what choice do I have?"
She wiped her tears, took a shaky breath, and pushed herself to her feet, ready to head back to the mansion.
When her phone suddenly rang loudly in her bag.
Amelia tensed. She pulled it out slowly, her heartbeat quickening when she saw the caller ID.