Chapter 77 Chapter 77
It was late in the afternoon, and Savannah sat quietly in the garden behind the mansion. The air was calm, and the sound of birds filled the space. She rested her hands on her round belly and smiled as she felt the baby move.
She had grown used to the peace in Adrian’s house. The maids were kind and respectful, always checking on her. But there was one maid, a young girl named Mia, who always made her laugh.
Mia came out holding a tray of fruits and juice. “Madam Savannah,” she called softly, smiling. “You forgot to take your juice.”
Savannah looked up and smiled warmly. “Mia, how many times will I tell you to stop calling me madam? I’m not used to it.”
Mia giggled. “But sir Adrian said we should respect you. Even he calls you madam sometimes.”
Savannah shook her head, laughing. “He’s just being dramatic. Sit down, Mia. Don’t stand.”
The girl hesitated. “But—”
“No buts,” Savannah said softly. “Sit.”
Mia sat beside her, shyly looking down. “You’re too kind, madam. You talk to us like we’re friends. Other rich people don’t do that.”
Savannah smiled sadly. “I’m not rich, Mia. I just found myself in a comfortable place. Before now, life wasn’t easy for me.”
The girl turned to her. “Really? You don’t look like someone who suffered.”
Savannah looked at the garden quietly. “I’ve seen things, Mia. There were times I didn’t have food, times I slept hungry, and times I thought life was over. But God always made a way.”
Mia blinked, listening closely. “You’re strong, madam. No wonder sir Adrian loves you so much. He talks about you every time.”
Savannah’s eyes widened slightly. “He does?”
Mia nodded quickly. “Yes oh! Yesterday he told the cook to prepare your favorite meal before coming back from work. He even scolded the driver for driving too fast when he was on his way home. He said, ‘Savannah might need me anytime, so drive carefully.’”
Savannah felt warmth spread through her chest. “He said that?”
“Yes,” Mia said, smiling. “We all like sir Adrian. But since you came, he’s happier. The house feels alive again.”
Savannah smiled faintly. “That’s kind of him. I just don’t want to be a burden.”
Mia shook her head quickly. “You’re not a burden. You’re a blessing. Even the gardener said so. He said the house looks brighter when you’re around.”
Savannah chuckled softly. “You people like to flatter me.”
“It’s true,” Mia said seriously. “When you talk to us, we feel like we matter. You greet us, you smile at us. Madam Cassandra never did that when she came here with sir Nathaniel before.”
Savannah froze for a second, but quickly covered it with a smile. “Cassandra?”
Mia nodded. “Yes, she came once for a business party. She shouted at everyone like we were animals. Even the head maid cried that day. But you’re different.”
Savannah looked away, hiding the emotions that rose inside her. “Well, maybe she had a bad day,” she said quietly.
Mia shrugged. “Maybe. But I prefer you. Sir Adrian too. You both look good together.”
Savannah laughed softly, changing the topic. “Tell me, Mia, how long have you worked here?”
“Almost three years,” the girl said proudly. “Sir Adrian took me in after my mother died. I had nowhere to go, but he gave me this job and a place to sleep.”
Savannah smiled. “That’s kind of him. He has a good heart.”
“Yes,” Mia said. “He’s strict sometimes, but fair. He doesn’t shout unless you do something very bad.”
Savannah nodded. “I’ve noticed that.”
There was a short silence. The wind blew softly, lifting the flowers around them. Savannah leaned back, feeling calm.
Mia broke the silence. “Madam Savannah, can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” Savannah said gently.
“Why do you sometimes cry at night?” the girl asked softly. “I heard you last week. I was passing your room, and you were crying.”
Savannah froze, then smiled weakly. “Sometimes I just think about life, Mia. About how everything changed. About the baby growing inside me and the people I left behind.”
Mia looked sad. “I’m sorry, madam. I didn’t mean to make you sad.”
Savannah reached out and held her hand. “No, it’s okay. Talking helps. You remind me of my little sister.”
Mia smiled shyly. “I wish I had a sister like you.”
“You do now,” Savannah said softly, patting her hand.
Just then, one of the guards called from afar, “Madam Savannah, sir Adrian is back!”
Savannah smiled and stood up slowly. “Help me up, Mia.”
Mia helped her carefully. “You’re walking fine today,” she said happily.
Savannah smiled. “Yes, maybe the baby is just being nice today.”
They both laughed and walked toward the mansion.
As they reached the door, Adrian came in, smiling as soon as he saw Savannah. “You’re outside again,” he said gently. “I was worried you might get tired.”
“I’m fine,” Savannah replied softly. “Mia kept me company.”
Adrian smiled at the maid. “Good girl, Mia. Keep taking care of her.”
“Yes sir,” she said, smiling proudly.
As they entered the house together, Savannah looked back and smiled at the young maid. For the first time in a long while, she felt surrounded by real care — not from wealth, but from people who truly meant it.