Chapter 19
OX
Adrian heaved a heavy breath, lifting his gaze to lock with Zina’s. His eyes held a quiet, dead–serious focus as he asked, “Do you understand what I’m trying to say?”
Zina’s silence cranked Adrian’s frustration higher, but a new fear of having been too harsh tangled with the churning storm inside him. The emotional overload left him teetering on the edge of explosion.
“I get it.” Zina said with a slight lift of her shoulder, “I’ve never gone out of my way to mess with Lydia. As long as you out of my business, I won’t stir up trouble for anyone in this house.”
all stay
Zina’s gaze lingered on the fruit bowl for a beat. She made an exception to lay things out clearly for the sake of this gesture.
Adrian breathed a sigh of relief. “Alright then, you eat up. I’ve got other stuff to handle and have to go.” He said, pulling the door shut behind him. The bounce in his step and poorly hidden grin made him look almost adorably clueless.
Zina made her way back to the desk, but couldn’t bring herself to look at the computer. Instead, her gaze drifted to the fruit bowl. She stared blankly at it, not really seeing anything.
Zina couldn’t help feeling a twinge of envy toward Lydia.
Ell
Lydia had been raised in the lap of luxury, cushioned from life’s harsh realities and doted on by the whole family. Even after Zina’s returned, they still fussed over whether Lydia might be struggling to adjust.
A heavy sigh hung in the air, holding within it a girl’s unspoken yearnings and the quiet acceptance that finally took their place.
ALE
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After leaving, Adrian headed straight for Lydia’s room. Slipping inside, he found Lydia curled up listlessly in the hanging chair. “Lydia,” he asked softly, “what are you doing all curled up in here?”
“Adrian.” Lydia pouted, her lips trembling as tears welled up in her eyes, “Mom and Dad haven’t paid me any attention for days. You don’t think they’d really kick me out, do you?”
“No way.” Adrian quickly shook his head and said with a soothing but firm voice, “Lydia, trust me on this–Zina would never do something like that. Honestly, watching her these past few days, I know she won’t make things hard for you.
“And you know what? I see how much Mom and Dad adore you. Try to relax, okay? Don’t let your mind run wild with
worries.”
Adrian kept talking, yet Lydia sat there stunned, unable to take in a single word.
櫃
A horrible thought twisted in Lydia’s mind, ‘Why is even Adrian speaking up for Zina now? Is she trying to snatch away the last bit of comfort I have left in this house? No way. I won’t let that happen!
Teisinin
Lydia lowered her eyes, veiling the unspoken thoughts and lingering resentment within them. She played the part of a good. girl, the perfect picture of quiet compliance.
Finally, Adrian paused, letting out a long sigh. His heart aching as he looked at Lydia, he was unable to bring himself to say more. Instead, Adrian took Lydia’s hand firmly and promised “Don’t worry. Nobody’s ever gonna kick you out of this house. Not on my
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watch.”
TE NEME?
22:43 Mon, Aug 4
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Chapter 19
“Alright. I count on you more than anyone, Adrian.” Lydia looked up at Adrian, her gaze locked on his, nothing but trust shining through.
Yet, the moment Adrian stepped out of the room, Lydia’s expression shut down completely. The warmth vanished from her face, replaced by a cold, hard mask. Her eyes narrowed, sharp and calculating.
Lydia picked up her phone. On the screen was a pleading message from the bodyguard she’d sent to deal with Zina.
Lydia’s expression darkened further, flickers of hatred sparking in her eyes, taking root and growing deep within her.
She muttered under her breath, “Zina, nobody takes what’s mine. Ever. And you won’t either.”
Inside, the room fell silent. Outside, the sun sank below the horizon. Everything fell into a heavy, still darkness. It felt as if countless schemes were silently brewing in the shadows.”
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