CHAPTER 4

They were currently gathered around the dining table with the entire Villareal family, but unlike earlier, when the atmosphere was lively, everyone was now unusually quiet. Rhea could not help but feel anxious, as if she were sitting in a high-stakes business meeting surrounded by investors. She understood, too, that their first impression of her mattered since none of them knew her personally.

She ate silently, waiting to see if anyone would break the heavy silence. She did not want to be forward or speak out of turn. Perhaps they followed strict table manners, like a no-talking rule during meals, a common practice in wealthy and traditional families.

In the middle of their breakfast, Mrs. Villareal cleared her throat, immediately drawing everyone's attention. At first, Rhea thought the woman had choked, but instead of drinking water, she simply stared at Rhea intently. That gaze made Rhea feel exposed and self-conscious.

Her heartbeat quickened as a minute passed in silence with the woman still observing her. To avoid further discomfort, Rhea slowly bowed her head, trying to make herself less noticeable under those scrutinizing eyes.

By the way, she already knew the names of everyone at the table since Lucas had briefed her about them earlier, as if introducing colleagues to a new hire. Despite Lucas's efforts to sound feminine, his demeanor and attire remained formal and composed. He did not dress in women's clothing or wear makeup, unlike others she had seen who embraced their femininity outwardly. The only problem she noticed was his vanity. But she had no time to dwell on that now.

"So, dear, what is your name?" Mrs. Lucianda finally asked, making Rhea exhale in relief that someone had spoken at last.

She politely wiped her mouth before answering, "Rhea Benitez, Ma'am."

"Wait, are you related to the late Francisco Benitez, the owner of Benitez Restaurant?" Sir Adam, their father, with a slightly funky charm, interjected. Rhea wanted to smile at the memory of their antics earlier in the bedroom, but the weight of the accident two years ago crushed any amusement she felt.

Perhaps noticing her hesitation, Lucas nudged her gently. "Hey, Chararat, what is with you?" he whispered, but she ignored him. They were not close, and he did not need to know her pain.

She gave Sir Adam a faint smile and nodded. "Yes, sir. He is my father," she replied before continuing her meal, silently wishing they would not ask more about her family. The memories were still too raw even after two years.

"Really? I can't believe it!" Sir Adam said enthusiastically, shaking his wife’s arm even as she was about to take a spoonful of food. She ended up hitting his shoulder in protest, but he only pouted playfully and turned back to Rhea.

"You know, I admired your father. He was an outstanding chef. Thanks to him, I never had to sleep outside when my wife was pregnant with our youngest. This woman here," he gestured to his wife, "was so particular about her cravings. She only wanted dishes made by your father. I almost got kicked out of the house once for failing to bring her favorite beef steak. Anyway, I heard about what happened. It is truly saddening, but it is good to see you coping," he added sincerely.

"It is okay, sir. I am moving on," she lied. In truth, she was not. She hated being pitied for being alone. The sorrow in people’s eyes when they looked at her was unbearable. She had no right to be angry, though — that was just how people were.

"Why are you apologizing, Dad? What happened two years ago?" Luciana, the second eldest sibling after Lucas, asked curiously.

Sir Adam cleared his throat before replying, "I believe it is not my story to tell. Just finish your food, Luciana." His direct tone silenced everyone, and Luciana pouted in her seat. Rhea, however, silently thanked Sir Adam for sparing her from further discussion.

Breakfast ended noisily, mostly thanks to Lucas, who enjoyed teasing his siblings, joined by their playful parents, particularly Sir Adam. The once quiet morning turned lively again, and for Rhea, it was a blessing in disguise. Their attention was diverted, lessening her worry that they might pry further into her family affairs.

Currently, Lucas was speaking privately with Sir Adam in his office. Rhea did not know what it was about and had no desire to find out. She was in Lucas’s room, packing her things, preparing to leave. She felt it was improper to overstay, especially since she was a stranger to them. She had stayed long enough, and there were still things she needed to do. She had to close the restaurant and visit her mother in the hospital.

She was deeply thankful to Lucas despite his eccentricity. He had taken her in, even though they were strangers. She knew she was being a burden, so leaving now while she still could seemed like the best option. After all, she was just a suicidal woman he happened to find on the road.

She sighed deeply and sat on the edge of the bed, reflecting on how she had been ready to die the previous night, yet here she was still alive. She was not sure if it was just not her time yet or if she was merely fortunate. But since she was still breathing, perhaps there was hope after all.

Gathering her courage, she stood to check her reflection in the mirror. Once satisfied, she grabbed her belongings and carefully stepped out of the room.

She figured there was no harm in leaving without saying goodbye. Surely, no one would look for her. So, she quietly watched her surroundings, checking if anyone noticed her sneaking out. She knew it was rude, but she was far too embarrassed to formally bid farewell. She told herself it did not matter since Lucas did not know her, and it was unlikely they would ever cross paths again.

Fortunately, there were only a few maids around, so she had no trouble slipping past the main gate. Once outside, she did not look back. Instead, she briskly walked away from the Villareal residence, the house of the eccentric man who had briefly given her shelter.