REKINDLED FATE

(Lila's pov)

All my life I have lived in an orphanage. It's the only life I have known, I do not know my parents but I'd like to take the adults' words for it. My parents have apparently died.

I am 18, and very aware that I have passed the age of being adopted. I have always believed I will live here till the end but surprisingly, no. This was my thinking till a few nights ago when the head Nun told me of a lady of high status who had taken interest in me. Mrs Foster who recently invested in the orphanage. It's not a wonder that such a wealthy woman would have an interest in our shelter.

It's a common phenomenon amongst the elites, because of the constant scrutiny from the public eyes they from time to time deep their hand into their pocket to fend for us the less privileged. As much as I really appreciate it, I can't also ignore their obvious intentions. Their pretense in front of the camera. Hugging and kissing children but immediately sanitizing their hands with tense shoulders once the cameras are turned off as if we are infected.

I have witnessed it so much it's hard to believe that the rich genuinely wish to do good. Speaking of Mrs Foster, she seems genuine so far. I am yet to witness her do something wrong but still my heart is full of doubts.

"Lila," A gentle voice called out to me, bringing me out of my gray mind. Of course it was the head Nun, with her gentle smile and kind face she approached grabbing my hands and placing them into her weak hands.

"My child," she began, her eyes watering as she stared at me with fondness. She has been a great mother figure, she filled the hole of a guardian and mother so well that we all call her mother.

"Mother," my voice came out frail as I forced a smile.

"Mrs Foster, she is a good person, please be obedient, she promised to pay you well, save a lot." she managed to smile as I nodded. Yes, Mrs Foster took me in as a worker in her mansion. While I am too old to be adopted, getting a job is my dream so I can pay for college. The orphanage has funded my education from elementary school to high school. I stared out through the window to see Mrs Foster standing by her car with her driver standing behind her.

"I think it's time for me to head out," I said, hugging her for the last time.

"Come visit on your breaks," She said as I nodded with a smile. Of course, I will come visit. This is my home after all.

As I made my way to the door, with my bag, I felt a sharp pain in my chest. A part of me does not want to live but still I really need this job. The little ones gathered around to wave me goodbye.

"Cheer up, you can visit them later," Mrs Foster said, smiling cheerfully at me. Hearing the words come from her made me less sad as I smiled genuinely for the first time. She opened the car door and with a smile signaled I got in. Slowly I entered carefully not to scratch the fine leather, she joined in sitting beside me.

"I guess it's your first time living on the premises apart from school?" she asked and at the same time I watched her lit up a stick of cigarettes. She is right, it's my first time leaving and also my first time witnessing a lady smoke. Almost choking from the uncomfortable smell of the cigarette, thankfully the driver opened the window for me to take in fresh air.

"I have observed you for a while, apart from thinking you are special, there is something else that made me choose you," she said, getting my attention as I yet again turned to look at her. She at the same time looked at me, making me uneasy. Everything about this woman speaks of wealth and class. Even the scent of her perfume and her makeup is intimidating.

"Your constant needs to be seen as the smart one, almost like a desperation. Although might be off-putting for others but that is exactly why I like you," Her words weren't at all what I expected. Almost like a punch in the face. I swallowed hard. Trying to process what I just heard.

"You remind me of myself when I was much younger," she continued, from the front mirror I could see the driver looking at me perhaps to catch my expression.

"I was so desperate to be different, to be seen differently from my pairs but at the end of the day you are not much different," she turned again to look at me.

"It's not a bad thing," she assured me, patting my thighs. Her words were sour but not very far from the truth. I do want to be perceived as different.

"I want you to know that I see your desperation, and if you do like I say, I might help you achieve those goals you dream about," her words cut deep but I had no words to say. Almost like a cat got my tongue.

The rest of the ride went silent as I pounded on her words, questioning my own self, I refused to believe that I appeared desperate. The very same thing I struggle not to be.

"We are almost home," she yet again broke the silence, I immediately recognized the house from a distance. I remember seeing it every day on my way to school. I remember thinking it was so beautiful and even wondered about the type of personality that resided in it.

The car pulled by and without thinking I immediately pulled the door handle coming down from the car. At the center of the versed land is a two-story mansion. So big I can not see the sides of it. Right beside the car parked are two more beautiful cars.

Still in awe, I hear a feminine giggle approaching. "Mom!" A girl who appears a couple years younger than me approached and behind her a boy near my age or even older. Her giggles slowly died down upon seeing me as she walked towards Mrs foster.

"Mom? Who is she?" She immediately asked, I never knew Mrs Foster had children talk more of the ones almost my age.

"Come kids, this is Lila, from today upwards she is a maid here, I employed her for Ethan," I listened as she introduced me. They obviously seem confused and at some point even irritated looking at my dress.

"Is she homeless?" the boy asked, looking me up and down, I swallowed, reminding myself not to react, that is in fact what I should expect from wealthy kids.

"You do not speak on one like that in front of them," She reprimanded her son but her words did not bypass me. She said not in front of me, does that mean they can say it behind my back?

"How about go in, let me brief her on what her work here is," she said to them before turning to look at me, reluctantly they walked away leaving me with their mother. I watched as a bunch of uniformed workers appeared to clear the things that were in the car, they greeted her while robotically lowering their backs.

Her demeanor has completely changed to the full-blown boss, so intimidating that even her smile seemed evil, I panicked with a sense of fear. Have I made the wrong decision already?

"As you can see those are my children," she began as I listened attentively.

"While you are obliged to tend to their needs from time to time that is not entirely your duty, so I have assigned a very special duty to... it's a very important one," she suddenly whispered with a smile.

She began to walk ahead as I immediately followed behind, my eyes trailing her long legs, watching as the tip of her high heels clicked on the floor as she walked. How she manages to not fall is a wonder to me.

Upon entering the house, my jaw fell. I could no longer remain indifferent as I marveled at the sight in front of me. She removed her long coat and out of nowhere a uniformed man appeared to take it from her. No words in my vocabulary can describe just how beautiful the interior decor of this mansion is. And this is just the tip I believe.

"It's good to see that you are impressed," she suddenly said. Only then did I realize I was being watched, she had been watching my reaction all along.

"This is my palace," she smiled and I watched her take a seat, the chair In question looked like a throne. I was intimidated. A new type of sensation filled my head. Not only am I intimidated but I have been influenced. How does one get this rich?

"Go get changed and I will introduce him to you," she said with a smile before walking away. I stood confused and taken aback. Who is "him" in this context?

"Here, come with me," A lady appears again, uniformed with a robotic mannerism. No questions asked. I followed behind with my box in hand.

"Since you will be working for the young master, you don't need to be moved to the worker's building," I nodded before understanding her words. I bit my tongue holding back my question.

Perhaps the robotic mannerisms spooked me. I followed behind closely while my eyes trailed the stairways. Unfortunately, she didn't take the stairs but rather walked through an open door behind the stairs. The door led to a spread-out hallway, to my surprise. The walls were adorned with beautiful artwork as if I had just walked into a museum.

She suddenly stopped in front of a door, she opened the door with a huge bunch of keys in her hand. She pushed the door open as she used her eyes to usher me in the room.

"This is your resting place," my mouth fell yet again. This was new to me. I have dreamt of luxury before but thought it would remain a dream.

"Even I am jealous," she said, her face cracking a new emotion, for the first time she didn't seem like a robot.

"Even I don't have a room like this," she said while I nodded, quite taken aback. Already I could tell she doesn't like me. I mean I just got here and it looks like I am getting special treatment.

"I am Helen, Madam Helen to you," she introduced

"Change into this," she threw a packaged item at me, I already knew what it was as I took it.

"I will wait at the door," she walked away leaving me speechless. I exhaled and inhaled, a bit tense from the whole situation. I quickly dropped my back by the side as I undressed.

Quickly I wore the uniform as I found my way out the door, she stood opposite the door waiting with a frown on her face.

"You wasted time," she said looking at her wrist. "How will you survive here if you are too slow, this is not a place to get comfortable, just because you saw a fancy bed doesn't guarantee longevity," Her tone was hard to decipher. I chose to take her words as advice even though I had my doubts.

We followed the familiar route back to the living room. Mrs Foster was back still fully dressed but this time with a glass of wine in her hand, she had a smile on her face upon seeing me.

"You look just right in place," I smiled back, quite unsure of what exactly to reply, a part of me was excited to begin working. This whole situation is new to me, my first job, and is to a wealthy home.

"Come with me Lila," she said walking ahead, I watched her use the stairs, and I immediately got excited just at the thought of catching a glimpse of what the upstairs looks like.

I finally followed her behind as I fondled my hand, even with the heels she walked without trouble up the stairs. I followed as she sipped her glass and moved, like an actress, I had suddenly found a new obsession. Would it be greedy to say that this is the kind of life I want to have or perhaps somebody like me can never amount to something as this life?

"This is a special duty I am putting in your hands Lila, you have no idea how many people this job is their dream," she spoke while I smiled.

"I am so grateful ma'am," I said politely.

"You should be," she said, stopping in front of a large door. She gestured with her hand that I remain quiet, I wasn't speaking, to begin with. She handed her glass of wine over to me to hold while she gently knocked on the door.

For some reason, I held my breath waiting for the door to be answered, after a while I released my breath since the door wasn't opening. She slowly cracked the door open peeking inside.

"Ethan?" she called before walking inside, I stood outside still holding onto the glass of wine. The door suddenly opened from inside, she bore the most beautiful smile as she ushered me in, a bit paranoid for the smile seemed performative. I took a step into yet again another heaven called a room.

So big it could be half of the Orphanage. By the side is a reading desk, and on it a young boy around my age or maybe a bit older. He had had back facing us, I needed nobody to tell me he was the young master they spoke about.

"Ethan," she began, for some reason her mannerisms changed, she had a sweet smile as she approached the young man slowly rubbing his hair, like a mother would.

"I got you a new maid, one close to your age," She spoke.

"It's a girl" He spoke, his voice irritated as I almost scoffed.

"You can tell already, you are so smart," she chuckled, her face a bit flushed. I watched as he slowly turned around in his chair.

"What is your name?" he suddenly asked looking towards me, slightly taken aback by his eye color, I struggled to find my word.

"Oh, I am Lila." I paused upon seeing the stick by the side of his chair. He wasn't looking me in the eyes.

He was blind...

...

Two weeks have passed since I was hired. It's been like forever and at the same time it seems like just yesterday when I was given the uniform and Introduced to the young master, Ethan.

At first, I thought he was mute too as he was blind but there was no way he was mute since I could swear I heard him talk the first day. He is as cold as an Ice, his eyes, although blind pierces deep into one's soul when he stares, if I hadn't watched him stumble sometimes to find his way I would have doubted his blindness too like the rest of the staff...

The things I have learned so far are against my wishes. When I first arrived it seemed like everybody was robotic but that only appeared to be an act, just like the rich act differently in front of a camera so does their domestic staff act differently around them. Around Mrs Foster and her husband, the staff put on their best performance going about their duties but once the owners are out, the switch flips, and the gossip begins.

Especially Miss Helen who insists I call her Madam Helen, ever since I arrived she seems to have a bone to pick with me, the reason for that I have come to know, apparently because I am an in-house staff who gets to sleep in the main house pisses her off and she was once in charge of Ethan.

Speaking of Ethan, I was taken aback learning he is the nephew of Mrs Foster. That night I remember being called into Mrs Foster's study, it was two nights after my arrival. Going about my new routine, getting his bath ready when I was summoned.

"I want you to be my eyes," she had said. I was confused and paranoid because she yet again gave off a very dangerous Aura. She wasn't the one blind why would I be her eyes?

"Ethan I am sure you know is not my son," she continued speaking.

"He is my Nephew, I want you to report everything he does, every of his schedule, if you can get him to open up about his thoughts too I will reward you generously." Her tone wasn't the same as the woman who hugged and kissed Ethan all the time.

That night she sounded like a person with a plan and somehow I am a part of that plan, from that day the things I have learned are as confusing as that night. The estate apparently doesn't belong to Mrs Foster but instead to Mrs Foster's Elder sister's husband, who is Ethan's father.

It is forbidden to speak of the previous owners because they are dead, they are Ethans mother which explains why he is called "Young master" because he is young and blind his Aunt, Mrs Foster is his Guardian and oversees the estate as well...

"Lila" The sound of my name immediately woke me up from my wild thoughts as I immediately stood up from where I sat. I took fast strides to stand behind him. He sat on a wooden chair in front of a canvas. It took me a while to realize he just called my name. Not his usual coughing to get my attention rather he actually called my name.

"You called for me, young master," calling him young master was a hassle in the beginning but I guess I have gotten a hang of it after two weeks.

"A glass of water," he spoke yet again.

"Oh of course young master," I replied, moving to the large desk where I had already prepared a bottle of water just in case.

"Here you go" I handed it to him but instead he reached for my empty hand, surprising me.

"Uhm I am sorry," I apologized instead guiding his hand to reach the cup.

"Your hands are cold and frail," A smile found its way to my lips for some reason. Perhaps because he randomly started speaking to me, I almost thought it was never going to happen.

"You are young, by your voice I can tell you are younger, why are you not in school?" his question took me by surprise, and again how can he tell how young I am by my voice.

"I am not that young, I am of the same age as you sir," I corrected, he nodded followed by a scoff, for the first time I watched the corner of his lips curl into a smile. It was beautiful to witness.

"How old are you exactly?" he asked

"I am 18... sir," I answered as I watched the smile grow wider. I knew he was older, but how different is 18 from 20 and I will do anything to keep the conversation going than sitting in silence waiting for a cough or the movement of his stick as an indication of assistance.

"You are indeed younger than I am, I am 20," He corrected. "I assume you have graduated high school,"

"Yes, I am working now to earn a living..." I paused wondering if I was overspeaking, he didn't ask why I was working, I better watch my mouth.

I watched him sip from the cup, I took the cup from him as it has turned into an Awkward silence yet again, he easily found the paint brush laying by his side, I watched as he slowly locates the canvas in front of him, I watched mesmerized just how it's almost impossible to tell he was blind apart from his eyes not looking different at the Canvas. I watched him begin to paint. Stroking the brush on the Canvas.

"Any plans of furthering your education?" he suddenly asked, the question feels hard to answer, while I am working to earn for school it still doesn't guarantee anything, furthering is expensive.

"By God's grace..." I replied instead. He suddenly paused, the paint brush falling from his hand. I immediately lowered to pick it up

"God?" he repeated. "You are religious?" he asked in a different tone. I wasn't but I grew up in an orphanage run by Nuns so...

"Not really, I am not religious," I quickly replied, attempting to hand the brush back to him. He suddenly grasped my hand, my cheeks flushed as the brush fell from my hand.

"Young master...uhm sir.." flustered. I watched him feel my hand.

"Can I?" he suddenly asked politely, Yet again taken aback, he was always conscious of physical touch, he would pause anytime my body mistakenly brushed against his. The only person he allowed to touch him remains his Aunt, Mrs Foster whom he seems very fond of.

But right now in front of me, he held my hand feeling it up very intensively, I knew exactly what he was doing but why? Since he can't see, his hands have become his eyes as he tries to know what it might look like. I have always had it in the back of my mind that he is an arrogant fellow like Mrs. Foster's children, I call them the evil twins. They are not even Twins but hardly do you see one without the other trailing behind.

But Ethan has really not been arrogant, well except the first day when he had on a frown after guessing that I was a girl, his gaze is cold but looking at him now, maybe because he can't see it seems that way. He is sensitive and seems to have severe trust issues, apparently he always has problems with every staff that has been assigned to him, and he always asks for a change. Thankfully nothing of such has happened, he just gave me the silent treatment until now.

"You are Thin and bones," his words cut deep as I immediately snatched my hands, I didn't like that at all.

"I am not sir," I said, offended, just when I thought we might get along. He smiled, grabbing his walking seat as he began to get up.

"You should eat more," he added upon getting up.

"Am sorry sir, but speaking of somebody's weight is not a respectful thing to do," I said, keeping my voice as low as possible. He began to find his way out of the room with his walking stick, I followed behind watching the smile on his face. He sure was in a good mood. It's fascinating how he can easily navigate his ways around the house almost without any help.

"I was speaking out of a place of concern," he said as I yet again Wondered why.

"But I take back my words," it wasn't an apology but I am not about to get fired because my feelings were hurt a little..

A few inches away from him I stood observing him. It's a regular routine where he walks out to the garden for fresh air while I want him. The only difference this time is, he is engaging in conversation and I have come to realize he has a very beautiful smile.

"Is the weather beautiful?" The question took me by surprise, for a moment I lacked the right words to answer.

"It is, the fields are green and the sky appears light blue," I said a bit disappointed at myself. I have never been one to admire nature so I lack the vocabulary to describe how beautiful the day is.

"Blue you say?" He asked, his question made me wonder if he knows what the concept of color is, since he is blind. I wonder how it feels to be without sight.

"The air smells nice too, I suppose the flowers are blooming," he suddenly lowered himself to the floor, without thinking I immediately rushed towards him, holding him from entirely reaching the floor.

"The field is dampened, sitting on the bare grass will wet your pants," I explained as he froze on the spot.

"Come with me," I slowly led him to sit on the bench. His face inches away from mine as his eyes rugged holes into mine, if not that he is blind I wouldn't be able to withstand his gaze.

"Your voice is beautiful," his words took me yet again by huge surprise as my cheeks began heating up. All of a sudden, it felt like my eyes were wiped out of dust, every one of his beautiful features magnifying in my eyes.

"And your scent is peculiar, if only I can see what you look like," my breath hitched as I listened, he was looking at me even though he couldn't see my face.

"You are being too generous with your words...sir,"

"Call me Ethan, I am only two years older than you," he finally looked away, allowing me to breathe in properly.

"You are the first person who haven't stolen from me, neither did you treat me like my disabilities, you didn't force a friendship either, you just did your job, I wasn't sure if I were to trust you but for some reason my instinct believes you are trustworthy and different," I listened closely. Stolen?

I can only wonder how many people have stolen from him since he can't see.

"It seems like every one of my movements is being watched, like I am surrounded with enemies in my own home, you see only my Aunt truly has my back in this world and I think my enemies outnumber my people," I fell completely silent listening to him.

"Am sorry my thoughts might be too heavy but I believe I can talk to you," He said.

"Why do you believe so? Because I'm young or because I am also an orphan like you?" I asked, but he seemed genuinely taken aback as he shook his head.

"I know nothing about you except your name, your voice and your scent now I can picture what your hand might look like and I know your age as well," I watched a smile tug by the corner of his lips.

"Do you by chance have a crush on me, young Master?" I genuinely wondered what really changed.

"Crush! What...what crush? I don't!" he strongly denied as I nodded agreeing.

"I didn't know you were an orphan, what happened to you parents?" he asked. I can not tell what really happened. I just know they are dead.

"The orphanage said they are dead, I don't know what killed them or who killed them," I answered truthfully.

"What about yours?" I asked shifting the topic away from me.

"Car accident," he replied, his words short and direct.

"Maybe if I had died alongside them that day the world would not be so gloomy," a chuckle followed after, he laughed to mask his pain.

"You miss them?" I asked as he nodded, at this point it felt like I was talking to a friend not a boss. I never got to meet my parents. I don't get to miss them but I do question what would it have been like in a reality where they are in my life?

"Mom's favorite color was blue, in this very garden I watched her grow plants now she is no more," it took me a while but not too long to realize what he just said. He "watched" that means he could see.

"What happened to your eyes?" I asked my voice hesitate. Not sure if I was over stepping yet but he seemed chill and in a mood to talk. Almost like he has been wanting to talk for awhile.

"That day I was in the back seat, While Dad had an injury so he couldn't drive, Mother drove the car, I watched the truck drive right at us till everything faded and I never saw again," Again his words were short but I understood immediately.

My hand reached out to grab his, "It must have been so tough for you," I said while he smiled.

"But I have my Aunt," my tongue rolled in remembering how his Aunt demanded I tell her everything. But maybe she is only looking out for him but still I have a very bad feeling about her since then.

"Of course you have her and you can talk to me anytime," I said, smiling back.

"Can I touch?" he asked leaning in, again I was flustered and taken aback, my heart even skipping a bit from surprise.

"Touch what.." I finally was able to ask

"Your face"

"Oh..." I felt the warmth from my face spread to my ears.

"Yes you can," his hands found my face easily, my breath hitched as he began to trace my face, my heart began pounding against my chest, for some reason something about him touching my face felt intimate. I couldn't stop myself from blushing. This was a first for me, I have never felt like this before.

"Your cheeks are heating up," he said, his face squeezing into a concerned one.

"Uhm...uh...it's nothing, uhm are you done?" I asked.

"Are you uncomfortable?" he asked, withdrawing as I began to feel bad. He only wanted to know what I look like, so I immediately held his hand, guiding it back to my face.

"I am very comfortable," I said, watching the smile on his face spread. When Mrs Foster asked me to report everything to her, although spooked I was ready to do as I was told but after this, does she really have to know? I have made a friend and my loyalty lies with my friend...

The night was chilly, Ethan choose to dine away from the rest of the family, so he ate in his room later than the rest, with a smile on my face I made my way to the kitchen with his plate after he was done, none of the staff remained in the house just me, A loud sound startled me, making me freeze on my spot, it was coming from the study of Mr foster, the husband. I couldn't hold back as I made my way to find out what it was.

"You can't continue to make him think like that!" The Angry voice of a man said, I immediately recognized it to be Mr Foster, surprised I leaned in, I barely saw him speak let alone shout angrily.

"He is my Nephew, and I am his Guardian! I am doing everything right for this family!" This time it was Mrs Foster speaking and I immediately knew who the subject was about, it was Ethan.

"That is your excuse every time, you are doing it for the Family, family! Family! Family! When in reality it's all for your selfish reasons," His voice shook me, I wanted to leave but curiosity took the best of me.

"If you are jealous of my achievement say it, it's not my duty to make you feel like a man, stop using him to start an argument,"

"All I am saying is, lying to him that he can't see again is evil. The doctor said the chances are high for him, so just approve the surgery. Is that too much? He already lost his parents, losing his sight too..." The plate fell from my hand as I couldn't listen any longer.

She did what?...

..

With heavy hands I immediately began to pick up the pieces from the floor, the door opened forcefully to showcase Mrs Foster, her face boiling as she stared at me.

"Hey, good evening ma," I greeted, trying my very best to act as natural as possible as if I wasn't just eavesdropping on their conversation.

"I was just about to go drop this but I missed a step and broke the plate I am so sorry ma," I followed up with a lie and an apology thankfully there are two kitchens and one was just that way.

"you slipped?" She asked, clearly not convinced.

"You wouldn't lie to me would you?" she scoffed. An evil glint dancing all over her eyes. She scared me.

"She slipped, are you okay? You shouldn't pick them with your bare hands" Mr Foster added joining us

"Go get something to clean it up," he said as I immediately lowered my gaze running away.

"You do not dismiss my staff," I hear her voice trailing behind as I find my breath shaking. I could not even begin to explain what I just overheard. This is enough to have me in serious trouble. What if she still isn't convinced that I didn't overhear them and what on earth. Why would she do this to her own nephew?

"Lila!" I could recognize the voice as Ethan's voice, so I immediately took cleaning gadgets as I went back. She stood there with her husband eying me suspiciously as I wiped everything.

"Lila?" I still could hear his voice now accompanied by the clicking of his stick on the tiled floor. He was looking for me.

"Yes' ' I answered while on the floor, my eyes still looking up at Mrs Foster who had her hands folded in front of me.

"What happened? Did you fall?" he asked, his voice worried.

"Ethan," Mrs Foster called him, I watched him pause as a smile found its way in his face.

"Aunt? You are awake?" he asked, she walked over me purposely walking on my hand as I bit my tongue holding back the pain. This could be a warning.

"I will lead you in, Lila is about to retire to bed," she said, holding him while he nodded.

"Nobody fell, Lila is just going to bed," She continued, I could tell by his face that he was suspicious but thankfully he said nothing more and followed his Aunt back to his room.

"You didn't overhear anything did you?" Her husband asked as I shook my head vigorously. "No sir, I just slipped as I was carrying the plate," I said, putting on the most innocent face I could pull.

He nodded, seeming to , with tired eyes he patted my back and walked away towards the direction of his room. I immediately held my chest while sitting on the floor.

"Pew. That was close," I let out before tidying up...

All night I stayed up lurking around watching to see when she leaves his room. He wasn't one to sleep early, ever since that day we had become friends, we would chat all night till he fell asleep but today I remain paranoid. Ethan really has no one on his side. No one today has confirmed my eerily feeling about Mrs Foster, her fake love and attention when she clearly favors her own spoiled brats over him. But he is blind and can not see.

After what seemed like forever she finally left his room, I waited till the coast was clear to check on him, he was soundly asleep. There was no need waking him.

The thought of breaking the news to him, that he can see again if he undergoes surgery but his very own Aunt whom he loves dearly has lied and said there was no chance for him, this has only made me think how many things she has lied to him about...

Morning came earlier and still, my eyes knew no sleep, my thoughts accompanied me all night. And I have made my decision to tell him, whether he believes me or not. He needs to know that he can see before it becomes too late. Even if I had to lie. Even if I have to hide what I overheard, I have to convince him to try surgery.

"Lila?" His gentle voice came from behind, making me stumble to find a balance. I didn't realize I left the door to my room open and this was a first. He has never come to my room before.

"Young...I mean Ethan," I corrected myself before approaching.

"Why are you here? I might end up in trouble," I whispered with a lighthearted voice forcing a chuckle after.

"What happened to you? You fell yesterday right?" he asked, taking me by surprise. I paused, unable to answer at first.

"It was you right? Something happened right? You don't just retire without saying good night first," his voice filled with worry.

I held his hand with a smile. "Nothing happened. I didn't fall at all. I am completely fine, I just retired early," I assured him, trying to lead him away from my room. While he can be in any way at any time I don't want Helen to see him here for she will taunt me about it forever.

"You are lying to me," he wasn't bulging as he stood his ground holding his stick tight.

"Is it because I am blind and can not see for myself that you are not okay?"

"What are you saying? For what reason will I lie to you? Even if I lie, will your Aunt lie to you?" I asked him, almost biting my tongue. He fell silent.

"That is more reason why I think something is wrong," His answer took me by surprise, he who believes his Aunt is the best person alive has doubts too.

"Are you saying you think your Aunt lied?"

"I know she lied, now tell me? What happened? Were you scolded?" He asked.

"Nothing happened but something is about to happen if she sees you here," he finally bulged allowing me to lead him away from my room.

He remained quiet as I wondered how he found the way to my room. Am sure I never showed him before. "I want to go downstairs," he requested as I allowed him to sit in the living room.

"No, he is not coming with us, all he does is knock things over with his annoying stick," I immediately recognized the voice to belong to Sara, Mrs Foster's daughter. Her jaw dropped upon seeing Ethan in the living room.

Of course, she was speaking about him, they were fully dressed, seeming about to head out. Ethan heard everything but remained quiet as if also hard of hearing.

"Ethan," her brother called out to him approaching, I immediately went closer, just in case he decided to be funny.

"Lius," he replied back, "I almost rolled my eyes watching them wave their hands in front of him to make sure he is blind, they do that all the time. Not knowing Ethan can tell when they do that but choose to allow them.

"You seem to be heading out," Ethan said.

"How will you know that?" Lius chuckled as I bit my tongue holding myself back, sometimes I forgot that I was a staff and not just Ethan's friend.

"Even while Young Master is blind his senses are very much awake," I wasn't able to hold it back.

"You still allow her to call you young master? You are too old-fashioned," Sara said with a mocking voice. The very same name her brother wants to be called.

"What do you mean Old fashioned? That is his title and you two should respect that," their mother added coming down the stairs, and behind her was her husband. They were all dressed up so fashionably all ready to go somewhere.

"Sara watch your mouth when you talk to your elder brother," She said touching her head. While in front of Ethan, she calls him their brother but when he is not there they make sure to remind each other that he is nothing but a cousin. He doesn't even share the same surname as them.

But something seemed different today, unlike before when he would smile anytime he heard his aunt's voice, today he just sat there with his eyes focusing on his stick as everybody spoke. Something was different with him.

"You all are heading out?" He finally spoke to everybody that was speaking to pause except Mr. Foster who wasn't speaking to begin with.

"Uhm yes... We are heading to...to a charity organization," she stumbled upon her words before coming to stand beside him, she began to rub his hair like she always does.

"Do you think you can afford to join us today?" Mr Foster asked, I watched as everybody stared at him. Shooting daggers at him. Including Mrs Foster who immediately glared.

"I do not wish to be of, inconvenience." Ethan replied. I expected Mrs Foster to immediately say something but she continued to glare at her husband which only added to my suspicions. Where really are they heading to?

"You can come with your maid, you are not really of any inconvenience," Mr Foster added, staring right at his wife who finally spoke.

"Ethan does not like attention, everybody will try to talk to him with the excuse of saying Hello, and will think they are better than him just because he can't see," She spoke as everybody fell silent. Her words were condescending. She turned to glare at me.

"I will leave him in your care like always, make sure to answer to him at all times," she commanded. I lowered my head and nodded.

"I have already given my word, no other staff should be allowed into the house. Make sure to stay in and look out for me if anybody tries entering let me know," her words were as sharp as her eye makeup. I only nodded watching her pat Ethan's hair before they left.

"What date is today?" Ethan suddenly asked getting up. I looked out the window, my eyes locking with that of Mrs Foster's most trusted Guard. His stare has always been scary but today seems evil.

"Today is the 6th of July," I said softly, moving towards him to guide his steps.

"They are not going to a charity organization," he said to my surprise. I already suspected that but didn't know how to break it to him since he trusted his Aunt.

"It's the reopening of the company," He spoke as I searched my memory wondering which company.

"I refused to believe it myself but it seems Aunt has been lying to me," I immediately paused as I felt my hands trembling, my tongue trying to force everything out.

"Your hands are trembling," he paused as well, facing me.

"You wouldn't betray me, would you? Who will I believe if everybody is lying." I could see the frustration on his face. He immediately began to walk up the stairs away from me as I stood there battling with my subconsciousness. He seems to have caught on that even his Aunt is not to be trusted. He is so smart that he notices every single thing.

How can I be of help? I am only an orphan working to earn a living. How do I help him?

"Ethan!" I called out to him, he was fast before I could even get to him he already pushed the door open going into his room.

"There is something I want to talk to you about," I began, he continued walking till he got to his desk and picked up the remote to the Television. Something he never does, in fact, he would always say I turn off the Television because he has grown sensitive to the nose from it.

"The fast growing company MIRAGE has finally reopened after two years. Ever since the death of..." he switched off the Television. My jaw dropped, as the host talked by the side was a picture of Mrs Foster

I immediately added it all in my head to know what was going on, His parents' company, that means they are going to the big city for the grand reopening without the heir.

I watched him clench his fist together. "About yesterday I didn't fall but I did overhear something," I began as he turned towards my direction.

"What was it?" he asked.

"Yesterday as I made my way to the kitchen I heard a loud cracking sound coming from Mr Foster's office." I inhaled deeply watching his reaction. He remained quiet

"I went closer out of worry but remained by the door out of curiosity, I know I shouldn't be eavesdropping but I did... I heard Mr Foster say you can see again if you get a minor surgery," I watched the disbelief in his face.

"What?" he asked followed by a scoff.

"What are you talking about? My Aunt has been looking everywhere to find a way..." he paused his hand shaking. I immediately rushed to him and held his hand.

"I can see again?" He asked while I nodded.

"Yes," I answered while he remained quiet, the good part was so easy to say.

"Your Aunt knew," I finally said. "She knew for a while now that you can see," I finally broke it to him.

"She knew? this was yesterday before she followed me to my room?" he asked.

"I can see and she knows?" I watched him try speaking but his voice broke. He didn't doubt me, he just cried. His tears flowed freely and I watched useless. I held him patting his back as he cried. It must be hard finding out the person you trusted with everything has been lying to you. I can not relate. I have never had someone I thought I could rely on. I grew up knowing not to trust anything or anybody. I never had a friend to begin with. He was my first friend and this is the first time I ever had to console someone and I can't even do it properly.

"I would never betray you," the words escaped my mouth. And I meant that. Seeing him in pain brought a bitter taste to my mouth.

"Why do I believe you?" he chuckled, making me chuckle as well.

"Because I'm a good person, remember?" he only smiled, his tears flowing.

"At least we have each other," I added, cleaning up his tears as he nodded.

"Yes, we do, let's leave everything behind," he said, grasping my hand, a bit taken aback. I pounded on his words.

"Leave everything behind?" I asked him genuinely concerned.

"Yes, for awhile now I knew she has been lying, but I never knew to what extent, I thought she was greedy but still might have me in her mind somewhere but it seems I was completely wrong, come with me let's run away," he held my hand tight his voice almost pleading as I listened, my thoughts going wild. Running away has never come to my mind before.

"But it's dangerous, how are we going to survive, the world is harder outside," I tried to think.

"At least you are not saying no," he smiled, I didn't even realize I was already agreeing.

"If it's how to survive, I have money, a lot of it, you can go to school too. We can survive just as we are. I can do the surgery to see again and I will work to add to our wealth," he sounded so convincing as if he had been planning these for a very long time.

"But This is your house." I couldn't think of anything to say. My mind was already agreeing. It's too dangerous to be here after all.

"It's my father's house and I can't continue to live in fear," he finally let go of me as he walked towards his desks. I watched him search for it vigorously and finally picked up a tiny key with his face full of smiles.

"Here it is," he forced the key into my hands.

"What is this for?" I asked, confused.

"There is a compartment on the floor of my bedding, open it," he requested. I immediately saw it. How come I never noticed it? It was tiny but enough for the key to fit right in. He watched me open it. My jaw fell as I closed it back immediately.

I almost blinded from the too much bling in one place. "What is this!" I couldn't believe what I saw.

"It's mine, with everything there we can survive even after the surgery, and your school fees."

"Let's pack all of them," his voice was urgent as he made his way to the closet.

"Wait wait" my heart pounding loudly against my chest, this is new, and am finding it hard to adjust.

"We have to leave before they return," he said as I nodded, agreeing "Okay," I couldn't think. We can plan after escaping.

"Do not pack clothes. Just every jewelry and money that way it's easy to move fast. Including yours, leave it behind," He instructed. I wanted to say otherwise but he must have planned for a long while.

I opened the compartment again this time, filled with Gold jewelry and some wands of cash. And some documents that were easy to pack just made my hand go a little weak.

"How do we leave the compound?" I asked him, setting the bag by the side.

"Since we are not leaving with heavy bags it is easy, just say I wish to walk around," he suggested as I nodded, he held my hand into his and said.

"I am sorry you have to do this for me but I owe you my life"....