Chapter 10
alex stopped the car at a red light and tumed to me. “We’ir gaing home. I won’t tell you anything more, You’ll see for yourself.”
That was typical el Alex. Once he made up his mind, there was no changing. All road do was staysÜML
The car pulled up in front of the Hastings residence, but I felt an overwhelming resistance to getting out and stepping into that house.
“We used to love playing on this Town,” Alex said suddenhe
I glanced at the run in tront of the residence. Alex’s father, who was technically my stepfather, was always particular about these things. The Lawn was consistently well maintained, and now that it was summer, it looked especially lush.
Through the car window, I could almost picture two children playing there.
o win Alex, always so mischievous. And the little girl was me, always following close behind him
Thinking about those days, I couldn’t help but smile slightly.
“It’s a shame those days are gone,” I said, my head turning slowly.
Back then, I wasn’t the Hastings heiress. I was simply the daughter of Nicole Burke, the mall.
Hastings, you’re finally back,” Simon Brooks, the butler, greeted while perning through the cat window. His smile faded slightly. “Ms. Ashford has come too.” I nodded in response.
Simen said nothing more, turning to address Alex, “Mr. Hastings Sentor is waiting for you in the study.
“You can go up by murself,” Alex said to me, pulling out the car keys and opening the door. “It’s the same room as before. When you’re done, I’ll take you back.”
I nodded again as Alex and Simon headed toward the study, and 1 followed, I could hear the maids inside greeting Alex with enthusiasm.
Most of them were familiar faces, but their expressions toward me were far from the joy they showed Alex. Their greetings were polite but distant
I went up to the second floor, to Mom’s room. She had been staying here ever since she married into the Hastings tamily
As I approached the door, I heard her voice from inside.
Clara, thank you. Thank you so much.” Mom’s voice was filled with deep gratitude. I’ve been feeling sick these past few days, so thad to trouble you with the lawn”
A ping of sadness washed over me. Despite everything that had happened, it seemed like she wasn’t living a very comfortable Efe with the Hastings family. She was even taking
rate of the Lown berself
I stepped inside, and the moment she saw me, a look of surprise flashed across her face. As if doubting her own eyes, Mom shook her head.
*M. Ashford, you’re back? Cara Jameson, who had been pouring water for Mem, greeted me with a smile
*Serena?” Moin sat up, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “You’re here?
Sering me enter, Clara naturally turned and lett
I walked over and sat at the edge of bed, my heart beavy with mixed emotions.
“Berena, why have you lost so much weight? Mon asked, her eyes full of concern as she looked over at me.
Fantled and tried to calm myself. “What’s wrong with you?”
‘s nothing just an old illness,” she replied with a gentle smile, but it only deepened the sorrow I felt
She fell down the stairs a few years ago. Whenever people asked about it, she would always say it was just an accident. But ever since, she had been suffering from a persistent
Look a deep insati, and gathered the courage to ask, “M, are you happy living with the Hastings family?”
The light in facade a eyes dammed as she slowly lowred in head
“If you’re not lieppy, you can get a divorce,” I said, looking at her. “I’ll be graduating soon. If you divorce, we can live together. I’ll take care of you, and I promise you won’t have to endure this way kamper ”
