Mizuki stepped into the elevator, her heart pounding with excitement. Lizbeth and Rose stood beside her, anticipation filling the air as they ascended to their new home. She had worked hard to secure this place for them, and now, finally, she was going to show them what she had prepared.
The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, and they stepped into the sleek, modern hallway of Gemini Bay Residences. Mizuki led them down the corridor, the sound of their footsteps echoing against the polished marble floors.
Stopping in front of a door, Mizuki swiped the keycard, and the door swung open with a satisfying click. The apartment revealed itself, bathed in warm light, simple yet radiating a sense of home.
Lizbeth froze in the doorway, eyes wide with disbelief as she took in the space. The apartment was spacious, with clean lines and minimalist design, yet it felt inviting and cozy—every corner thoughtfully arranged for comfort.
Mizuki led them further into the apartment. As they passed a large dining table, Lizbeth's attention was drawn to one room at the end of the hallway.
A small, cozy bedroom, painted in soft pastels, awaited them. The bed, adorned with a fluffy white duvet, was surrounded by stuffed animals. A safety railing was set up around it, clearly designed for a child. The walls were decorated with a cheerful bunny theme—bunny-shaped lamps beside the bed and matching curtains framing the window. The room was meant for Rose, a place where she could feel safe and comfortable.
Lizbeth gasped, her eyes welling up with tears as she looked around. "Is this... ours?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, disbelief heavy in her tone. "But it looks so expensive... We can't pay rent."
Mizuki turned to face her, her expression warm and reassuring. "This is staff housing," she said firmly. "I need you close to me, so it's my duty to make sure that's the case."
She glanced over at Rose, happily jumping on the soft bed, unaware of the gravity of the conversation. "And there's daycare on the sixth floor," Mizuki continued. "You can take Little Peanut there when you're working. But if you prefer, you can bring her with you to my apartment. It's not like she makes much noise anyway," she added with a smile. "I already asked someone to set up a playpen for her."
Lizbeth stared at Mizuki, still in shock. "But… why?" she asked, her voice breaking. "Why are you doing this for us?"
Mizuki smiled gently, almost as if the answer was obvious. "Because I feel like we've known each other in a past life," she said softly. "I believe in fate, and fate brought me to meet you." She looked at Rose, who was laughing as she hopped around the room. "Besides, you'll be working a lot for me," she teased lightly. "It's not like everything is free."
Lizbeth's face softened, and she let out a small laugh, though her eyes were still misty. "I'm not used to this," she murmured. "I've never had someone do something like this for me before."
Mizuki nodded, her voice steady and reassuring. "You've been through a lot, Lizbeth. It's time for you to rest. No more struggling. No more doing everything on your own." She paused, giving Lizbeth a comforting smile. "And besides, you'll be helping me. It'll be good for both of us."
Lizbeth looked at Mizuki, feeling a strange sense of calm wash over her. She had never allowed herself to depend on anyone, but Mizuki's kindness made it hard to resist. For the first time in a long time, Lizbeth felt like maybe—just maybe—she could let go of her pride and allow someone to take care of her.
"Thank you," Lizbeth whispered, her voice trembling. "I don't know how to thank you enough."
Mizuki smiled warmly, her eyes kind. "You don't need to," she said. "You're here now. That's all that matters."
As they continued the tour of the apartment, Lizbeth's gaze wandered over the living area. The space was simple but comforting, with light, neutral colors creating a warm atmosphere. Large windows offered a breathtaking view of the bay, and the soft cushions on the sofa seemed to invite relaxation. It felt like a place where one could truly breathe, so different from the chaos Lizbeth had left behind.
Mizuki showed them around the rest of the apartment, pointing out thoughtful touches—a basket of toys for Rose in the living room, a small desk set up for Lizbeth, and a sleek kitchen with modern appliances. Everything was designed for comfort, but there was an elegance to it that made it feel like more than just a house.
Finally, they reached the balcony, and Mizuki stopped, breathing in the cool air. She smiled and turned to Lizbeth. "This is just the beginning. It's yours now."
Lizbeth looked out at the view, her heart swelling as Rose's giggle filled the room behind her. She had been given a chance—a chance to start over, to breathe again, to rebuild a life for herself and Rose.
With Mizuki's promise, Lizbeth felt a flicker of hope in her chest, something she hadn't dared to feel in years.
"Well, let's get you settled so we can go up to my apartment and I can show you around," Mizuki said, her voice light and full of warmth. She gestured toward the luggage in the corner. Lizbeth and Rose eagerly began unpacking, the excitement palpable in the air.
When Lizbeth and Rose had fled from their old life, they had only a single backpack between them—mostly filled with water and food for Rose, with just a few changes of clothes. Since arriving at St. Anne, Mizuki had ensured they accumulated things they had once lost or left behind: toys, clothes, books—all of which made the apartment feel more like home.
Lizbeth carefully unzipped one of the bags, revealing the small collection of items they had gathered. She gently folded Rose's favorite stuffed bunny and tucked it into the corner of the closet. It was then that she noticed something that made her heart skip a beat.
The closet was already filled with neatly arranged clothes. Soft pastel dresses, little shoes, and even a few jackets—each piece seemed to be waiting for Rose. Lizbeth blinked in disbelief, her chest tightening as she turned to Mizuki, her eyes glossing over with unshed tears.
But Mizuki wouldn't allow her to thank her again. She smiled gently, her voice warm. "Come on, let's go to my apartment so you can see where I'll be working on my book and your work station," she said, motioning for them to follow.