Chapter 25
After returning to the manor, I saw Kane about to head out again, so I quickly grabbed him.
"I think I've been doing pretty well lately. Can I spend more time with Nina? I'm really lonely here by myself."
Seeing the sincere pleading in my eyes, Kane raised his hand and stroked my long hair.
"You have been doing quite well recently, so I'll allow you to spend a pleasant afternoon tea time with her after lunch."
I breathed a sigh of relief. The more time I spent with Nina, the better I could ensure her safety.
I happily reached out and hugged Kane.
Kane clearly didn't expect me to hug him on my own.
His body stiffened, then a moment later, he pulled me into his arms, his kiss landing on my forehead.
"If you perform even better going forward, I'll let her leave, and even arrange a job for her."
A flash of surprise crossed my eyes.
I didn't expect Kane to be so generous. The smile in my eyes grew even wider.
"Mr. Moretti, I think I had some misunderstandings about you before. You're actually a really good person."
I remembered what Merlin had told me.
She said Kane was a decent person, and she hadn't lied to me.
Seeing me so happy, Kane couldn't help but let his lips curve up slightly, though they fell again the moment I looked at him.
"Alright, don't get carried away. If you do anything that makes me unhappy, neither you nor your good friend will have good days ahead."
I obediently nodded again, a slight smile on my lips betraying my mood.
After Kane left, I lay down on the soft bed and closed my eyes.
In my dream, I dreamed of my mother again. Actually, I hadn't dreamed of my mother in a long time.
I excitedly threw myself into her arms, telling her about everything that had happened during this time.
Mother gently stroked my hair, her tone as kind as I remembered.
"Darling, I'm so glad you have someone who truly loves you."
Someone who truly loves me?
My expression dimmed slightly.
I didn't tell Mother that Kane only married me to have a child, that he had someone he truly loved.
Even in a dream, I didn't want Mother to worry about me.
"What's wrong, darling? You don't seem very happy."
Even in the dream, Mother was perceptive, immediately noticing something was off with my emotions. I hesitated before speaking.
"Mom, actually, he doesn't really love me. He just needs me to have a child for him, and I think he loves someone else."
Hearing this, sadness flashed in Mother's eyes, and she held me a bit tighter.
"Darling, look at my marriage. Your father left early, and your stepfather wasn't a good man either. Rather than finding someone who loves you, Mom would rather you be happy. At least this person can make your life better, right?"
As she spoke, Mom gently stroked my hair.
"Look, your hair has become so shiny. I still remember when I left, your hair was as dry and yellow as straw. I don't think your stepfather could have been good to you."
Mother's words really touched me.
Actually, I thought the same way. Kane was good to me and brought me a comfortable material life.
At least I'd never have to worry about rent again, never have to watch Nina worry about me.
This choice was really the best for both me and the people around me.
"Mom, you're right. I hope you'll come visit me in my dreams more often."
I lifted my head, looking directly into Mom's gentle eyes.
Every time I dreamed of Mother, my dreams were always brief.
Soon I opened my eyes. It was already bright outside, and a maid stood beside me, looking down with a gentle smile.
"You're awake. Breakfast is ready, and your friend is waiting for you in the dining room."
This maid seemed much more respectful and gentle than before.
I figured Kane's warning must have made them stop looking down on me.
"Thank you. Could you help me with my hair?"
When I got to the dining table, I saw Nina.
Nina seemed a bit fuller than before, and her spirits were much better. When she saw me, she waved enthusiastically.
"Where were you last night? I didn't see you at dinner, and I was so worried. They wouldn't answer my questions either."
By "they," Nina naturally meant the maids in the manor.
I glanced at the maid beside me. Her name was Athena.
What a powerful name.
"Athena, I hope that when my friend asks about me in the future, you can at least tell her the truth, okay?"
My tone was gentle and sincere.
Athena nodded lightly, her expression still obedient as always.
"Of course, I'll do as you say."
With Athena's promise, Nina cheered up too.
We ate and chatted, and I told Nina about what happened on the yacht yesterday.
Surprise and anger flashed in Nina's eyes.
"Those rich girls always look down on ordinary people like us. Good thing she got what she deserved. Serves her right for bullying you."
Seeing Nina getting angry on my behalf made me feel even better.
I thought Kane's appearance wasn't Satan, but rather God's way of showing me some mercy, given how miserable I'd been.
"By the way, I already asked Kane, and from now on, after meals, we can stay together longer. You don't have to go back to that room - you can stay until afternoon tea is over."
As we were finishing breakfast, I told Nina this good news, and she almost clapped and cheered.
"That's great! Sonya, honestly, my days here have been really good. I don't get bullied by my boss or pushed around by coworkers. The only thing I worry about is you. Since Kane is willing to let me spend more time with you for your sake, he must really care about you."
I saw tears in Nina's eyes as she said this.
I knew she was one of the few people in this world who truly cared about me.
"Maybe after Kane trusts that I don't have other ideas, he'll let us go out together. I really want to see how those people who used to bully us would react."
I admit I was having some petty thoughts now.
After all, Nina and I had such a hard time before.
I didn't want to bully others with my new position; I just wanted to show them that the people they used to pick on were doing much better than they were now.
Nina laughed at my words.
"Do you remember Anthony, the one who put an earthworm in your water cup? I remember he hangs around on the street Kane controls. We could teach him a little lesson then."