Chapter 7 I Treasure Her

My knees felt weak. Was it a sign that I had made the wrong decision?

I was on my way to Kiro's room, carrying a tray of food. I didn't quite understand why I was doing this, aside from the fact that my salary would increase. Am I just a sucker for money? Maybe you can say that.

I sighed repeatedly as I walked, my heart beating fast. I took a deep breath when I found myself standing in front of his door.

I remembered Lady Linda's instructions from earlier, that I should knock three times to signal that Kiro's food was ready. Three knocks meant it was time for him to eat.

I knocked three times, and I heard the door unlock, a sign that he had opened it.

I didn't step foot inside his room. I stayed outside.

"S-Sir Kiro... Y-Your food is ready!" I stammered.

I heard him sigh. "Come in."

I mentally facepalmed myself. What was I going to do? With my knees trembling, I entered his room. Memories flooded back of the first time I set foot in this room, crying and screaming for help.

"S-Sir..." I started to say.

He was sitting on his bed, holding a book in his hands. He looked at me.

"Just put it on the side table," he commanded. Unfortunately, the bedside table was on his side, so I had to get closer to him. Was this for real?

"O-Okay..." I managed to reply.

I was about to give a slight bow so I could leave, but he grabbed my arms and I ended up sitting on his lap. What on earth was he doing? My heart raced, and I felt tears welling up in my eyes. It felt like déjà vu. Was he going to touch me like he did before?

I started to sob, "S-Sir..."

Instead of anything harsh, I felt his hand gently patting my back, offering comfort.

"Shhhhh," he hummed, and it caught me by surprise. I wasn't expecting this.

"I know, it's okay... Shhh, I'm truly sorry," he whispered. Did I hear that correctly? Did he just apologize?

What was happening? He seemed different from the Kiro I encountered yesterday. He had been rude, harsh, and disgusting, yet now he was saying sorry?

But... 'sorry' wasn't enough.

"I'm really sorry... This is my condition, and I can't control myself," he added.

I was about to speak, but he continued.

"I am so sorry, my dear Lily," he said, shocking me. Not because of the words 'I'm sorry', but because of what he called me. Lily? Who was that? Did he just remember someone while looking at me?

I stood up from his lap. I was about to leave without saying anything, but he tried to hold my hands. Thankfully, I managed to free myself.

"Sir, I understand that forgiveness is possible, but I don't think this is the right time for that. And please remember my name. It's Lyka, not Lily," I said without looking at him, and I started walking out of his room.

I let out a sigh as I closed the door to his room. Sweat trickled down my face.

I walked downstairs and saw Madam and Miss Linda waiting for me in the living room.

They had a questioning look on their faces, as if asking, "Did something happen? Did Kiro touch you?" I knew those expressions all too well, so I just shook my head and pretended to smile.

"Is it true? Kiro is really cured!" Madam exclaimed, clinging onto me. Miss Linda joined in, exclaiming, "I'm so happy for him, Madam! He was such a sweet and adorable person when he was our normal Kiro!"

I looked closely at Miss Linda. It seemed that the Kiro they knew was completely different from his current state.

Seeing their reactions, I could tell that they genuinely believed he was cured. Unfortunately, I had lied to them. But why didn't he touch me like he did yesterday? What's going on? Could he really be cured?

I hope so, so that he can face the consequences for what he did to me and the other former maids.

–

"Hey, Lyka! From what you've told me, you haven't been to big buildings like malls, right?" Miss Linda asked me.

We were inside the maid's quarters since it was Sunday, our 'day off' from work. Today was also the day I received my first salary, which made me smile shyly at her before nodding.

"Yes, Miss Linda... You see, instead of wasting my money on going to the mall, I prefer to spend it on food-"

"Shh! Don't be shy about that, Lyka! I know, I know you're someone who cares about practical things. But I have a surprise for you, guess what?" she interrupted. I felt a surge of excitement hearing her words, and I couldn't help but clap and smile.

"What is it,Miss?"

"We're going to the mall today! But first, we'll go to the church, of course," she explained.

I jumped up and down with excitement. Oh my, I must have looked like a little kid who was eager to get her candy.

"Really?"

"Yes, so change your outfit, Lyka."

Even though not everything goes exactly as I want it to, I treasure Miss Linda. She's like a second mother to me here. Miss Linda had an elegant and vintage style, while I looked more like a preschooler with my outfit. I was just wearing a shirt and jogging pants since I didn't have any other types of clothes.

"Lyka, you don't have your own cell phone because you gave yours to your mother, right?" she asked as we walked to the bus stop.

"Hmm, yes. They needed it more than me."

She smiled at me and said, "Well then, let's buy you one today..."

My eyes lit up, and my mouth hung open.

"W-What, Miss?" I asked in disbelief. Did I hear her correctly?

"We're going to buy you a cellphone today, and it's going to be my gift to you," Miss Linda said with a kind smile. "Consider it a welcome present from me, okay?" She truly is one of a kind.

I couldn't help but feel undeserving of someone like her. Miss Linda is a precious gem that I will always treasure.

"B-But Lady Linda, I have my own salary now. Maybe we could split the cost..." I tried to suggest it, but she interrupted me.

"It's a gift from me, okay? Just accept it, Lyka. I appreciate how special you are... You remind me of my daughter," she explained.

It seems we both have a similar sentiment. She sees her daughter in me, and I see my mother in her. It's a wonderful connection.

I smiled and nodded, grateful for her kindness. We boarded a bus and made our way to the church.

As we entered the church, we looked for seats since the Mass hadn't started yet. However, I noticed people staring in our direction. It felt as if their eyes were fixed on us, Lady Linda and me.

What could be the issue?

I began to feel flustered. Were they staring at me? Maybe it was because my clothes looked cheap, but it was unfair to judge me based on appearances.

Ugh, what could be the problem?