"Hi dad…" I mumbled, my voice drenched in forced politeness. Urgh, I hate being nice to this man, I thought as I forced a smile.
"Hi," he replied dryly, not even looking up from his tablet. I could feel the hollowness in his tone like a stranger pretending to be something more.
"I can see your nanny has arrived," he added, eyes still glued to the screen. Sadash stepped forward with a soft smile. "Good morning, sir."
He barely nodded.
How rude. I rolled my eyes, not bothering to hide it."Dad, I'm going to show her around."
"Yeah… you can carry on," he said dismissively.
I grabbed Sadash by the wrist and tugged her along, escaping the cold silence that followed.Welcome to my little world," I announced as we stepped into my room. My tone changed instantly this was the one place in this mansion that still held a bit of my joy. "This is my favorite spot in the whole house… apart from the library."
Sadash gasped as she took it all in. "Wow… your room is huge. Look at all these beautiful things… From your decor to the art pieces it's like stepping into a magazine."She walked toward the window. "Can I tell you my favorite part?"
"Sure," I smiled.
It's your curtains. Look at how they dance with the wind like they're alive. It's so… peaceful." I giggled. "That's enough, Sadash. But thank you."
She turned and whispered, almost to herself, "The people in my neighborhood could literally live in this room… All of them."
I laughed, but it was short-lived. "How is that even possible? I can't even share this room with anyone."
"Don't say that," she replied softly. "Your parents must be very rich. "They are," I said quickly. "But I'm not their real daughter. I was adopted."Sadash looked surprised, but not judgmental. "Really? That's cool though. You're not even their daughter, and yet they pamper you so much. You must be very lucky."
I rolled my eyes. "Who said so? I may have all of this—" I waved at the room around me, but it still feels like hell. I don't know why they chose me. I'm not a happy kid. I don't have friends. Tutors have been teaching me since I was a toddler. I've never stepped into a real classroom before."
Sadash's face changed. She was no longer just the cheerful nanny she became someone who saw me, truly saw me.Every time I ask Mom why I can't go to school or have friends, she says it's for my protection. But… it feels like they're hiding me. From who? From what?"
Tears burned down my cheeks before I could stop them. "You think my life is perfect? It's a golden cage. "Hey, hey," she whispered, her voice suddenly motherly. "I didn't know, sweetheart. You must have gone through so much."
She opened her arms wide. I hesitated then broke down. I collapsed into her arms, sobbing silently, clinging to her warmth like it was the first sunlight after years of rain. I didn't know how or when, but I eventually cried myself to sleep, curled up in the arms of someone who felt like safety.
I stirred gently as the morning light warmed my skin. For the first time in forever, I had slept peacefully. I blinked, adjusting to the light, and saw Sadash arranging my breakfast tray on the table.
Knock knock.
"You may enter," I said, rubbing my eyes.
A maid entered with a soft smile. "Good morning, Miss. How was your sleep? "It was great," I replied, stretching. And yours, Sadash?" she asked.
Sadash beamed. "Mine was magnificent! I can't remember the last time I slept on a bed so soft. Oh my…" She closed her eyes and sighed dramatically. I giggled at her expression. "Okay, okay," I laughed. "So what brings you here?"
"Ah yes!" she said, lifting the tray. "I brought your breakfast. "Breakfast in bed?" I gasped playfully. "I love you, Sadash! Wait… can I call you that?"
"Of course. Even my son calls me Sadash."
I blinked. "Wait… you have a son? "Yes, I do. He's fifteen. His name is Jake." I sat up straighter, suddenly more curious. "Why aren't you taking care of him?"
She paused and for the first time, her smile faltered. "Because I have to work… to take care of him. "So… you have to take care of someone else's daughter just to take care of your own?" Sadash looked away, and I saw something flicker in her eyes pain. Regret. Sacrifice.
"Yes," she said softly. "That's exactly what I have to do. But you know what?" Her eyes met mine again, this time glowing with strength. "If taking care of you gives my son a better chance, then I'll do it a hundred times over. Even if it breaks my heart."
The room fell silent.My chest tightened.
For once… I wasn't the only one hiding pain behind painted walls and polished floors.