Without Julian's command, this child and I were stuck in the room."
Dinner was brought up by the maid.
Anastasia's eyes were dark and bright, her voice sweet and innocent. Even though I hated her parents with all my heart, when she called me "Miss," I found it hard to keep up a cold expression. She said, "You don't need to feed me, Auntie. I can eat by myself." I patted her head.
After spending the afternoon with her, I realized that Lena had taught her well. She was clearly terrified when she was brought here but remained very polite. She even thanked the maids with a sweet smile.
Once Anastasia finished eating, I wiped her mouth.
Just as I was about to call for someone to clear the dishes, there was a commotion downstairs. I rushed to the window, straining to look outside. The moment I saw Sebastian, I was overwhelmed with emotion.
The police acted swiftly, rescuing both Anastasia and me. In Victor's embrace, I caught a glimpse of a familiar figure. She no longer looked as radiant as before. She had withered like a dying rose, her face pale and drawn.
In front of the kid, she had concealed all her sharp edges, sobbing quietly as she held her long-lost daughter in her arms.
When she noticed my gaze, Lena wiped her tears and walked toward me with Anastasia.
"Adelaide," she murmured softly. "I'm sorry."
I didn't respond, instead, I turned to look at the child. "You've raised her well."
Anastasia seemed to understand my compliment, puffing out her chest with pride.
"Julian will get what he deserves. Don't try to plead for him. I will never forgive any of you." Victoria nodded quickly, her voice a bit rushed.
"I don't expect your forgiveness, nor will I beg for it on his behalf."
"I'll change her name and take her somewhere far away to start a new life."
"Sorry, Victoria," she said, her eyes red. "I was blinded by jealousy before, thinking that if I pushed you out of the way, I could live a better life. I never realized how much harm I caused you."
But the harm had already been done. No matter what she said, it wouldn't make a difference.
The betrayal from both her and Julian Fitzgerald was a double blow to me.
I had always been somewhat introverted, but when I first met Lena, I took the initiative.
I saw myself in her: just as lost, just as helpless. While her family was intact, they didn't love her, only her younger brother. I tried to help her, trying to make up for the lack of guidance I had when I was lost myself.
I introduced her to part-time jobs, taught her how to defend herself when wages were withheld, and stood up for her when she was scolded. When she couldn't find a job, I asked Julian to help her. I thought that with my help, she would gain the courage to face the storms of life on her own.
Unfortunately, she never learned, just like I had forgotten my own beginnings.
I once dreamed of becoming a designer.
But for Julian's dreams, I eventually learned how to accompany him to business dinners and run around chasing orders.
After his success, I felt that design and I had parted ways, so I chose to listen to him and became a full-time housewife. But after hitting rock bottom, one's mind clears, and the courage to start again rises.
Now, I've picked up my old dream again and hope she can remember what she once said—she wants to open her own studio through her own effort.
