Chapter 9

“STOP WHINING, GHANI!” Gevan’s voice echoed throughout the room. His tone was firm and sharp.

The little boy was startled. His eyes widened, and without saying anything, he got up and ran toward his room on the second floor. The sound of his hurried footsteps filled the stairs, followed by a maid who ran lightly behind him.

“Young Master, wait!” the maid called out anxiously, afraid that Ghani would throw another tantrum.

Claudia let out a long sigh. She held her forehead, feeling dizzy from dealing with the never-ending chaos. “I really can’t take this anymore, Gevan,” she said irritably. “If there’s always drama every single day.”

Gevan remained silent. He was still staring toward the staircase with a weary expression. “I’m tired too, Claudia,” he said quietly.

“Tired?” Claudia scoffed. “If you’re tired, imagine me having to deal with that stubborn child every single day! I’m not his mother, yet I’m the one who has to stay patient.”

Gevan didn’t reply. He knew that everything Claudia said was true.

A few minutes passed, and the house began to calm down. From upstairs, the maid who had followed Ghani came down the stairs carefully.

“How is it?” Claudia asked quickly.

The maid bowed politely. “The Young Master is willing to eat now, Madam. Just a little, but he’s no longer crying.”

Claudia breathed a sigh of relief. “Finally. I thought I’d have to call Sheena just to make that child stop screaming.”

Gevan glanced at his wife briefly. “Don’t say things like that.”

Claudia shot him a sharp look. “I’m just being honest, Gevan. I’m sick of Sheena’s shadow still haunting this house.”

Gevan stared at the table, unable to respond. He knew, deep down, that Claudia’s words were true.

Claudia rolled her eyes, then stood up. “I need some fresh air,” she said coldly. She left the room and walked toward the backyard garden, while Gevan remained seated in silence.

At the Muller residence, the atmosphere was the complete opposite. The room was filled with Alea’s cheerful laughter as she was learning to read with Sheena. A picture book lay open on the table, and Sheena patiently pointed at each letter one by one.

Sheena chuckled softly. “You’re so smart, Alea. You remember things so quickly.”

Alea giggled. “Because Aunt Sheena is a good teacher.”

Sheena looked at her warmly. “If the student is this sweet, anyone would be excited to teach.”

Laughter filled the room again. Julio, who was standing on the upstairs balcony, quietly watched the scene. His eyes didn’t leave Sheena’s smiling face. There was something about her that felt familiar, as if he had known her in the past.

He leaned against the balcony railing, narrowing his eyes slightly. “Why does it feel like I’ve seen that smile before…” he murmured softly.

Sheena laughed with Alea, unaware of his gaze. She looked different from a few days ago. Her face now radiated a renewed spirit, though the light in her eyes still held traces of sadness.

After Alea finished reading, Sheena closed the book and patted the little girl’s head. “That’s enough for today. It’s time for dinner now.”

“Yay!” Alea cheered happily and ran toward the kitchen.

Julio came down from the second floor, walking slowly toward Sheena. “Alea looks so happy when she’s with you,” he said in a calm tone.

Sheena looked at him and smiled softly. “She’s an amazing child. Spending time with Alea makes me forget many things.”

Julio nodded. “That’s good. It seems you’re starting to find yourself again.”

Sheena gave a faint smile. “Maybe.”

Julio looked at her for a few seconds before turning away. “Stay strong, Sheena.”