Chapter 4

One Week Later

The Vance estate was more vibrant than ever with the arrival of Owen and his family. Laughter echoed again through the halls. Games were played, late-night snacks were shared, and bedtime stories spilled past midnight. Aurelia was the center of it all—her joy contagious, her stories wild and glittering.

But in every story, in every game, Silea was watching.

She watched how Owen made Aurelia laugh. How he leaned close when she whispered secrets. How Aurelia always looked for his reaction first. Silea laughed along, joined the games, but it was clear—she was learning. Mimicking. Adapting.

Herman began to notice how Aurelia’s hand reached for Silea’s less and less, and how Silea would find ways to be alone with Owen—even briefly. To hand him snacks. To offer help. To bump into him with a too-sweet giggle.

It was subtle. Innocent on the surface.

But Janet noticed. And this time, she said something.

In the Garden, That Afternoon

Janet sat beside Herman while the children played on the far side of the estate. Her eyes didn’t leave the group.

“She’s very… charming,” she said carefully, sipping her tea.

Herman gave a slight nod. “She tries.”

“She tries a little too hard,” Janet murmured. “I’m not trying to overstep—but I’ve been a mother longer than I’ve been a guest here. And I’ve seen that look before. In the eyes of girls who want everything someone else has.”

Herman frowned.

“You’re not talking about Aurelia.”

“No,” Janet said softly. “I’m talking about Silea.”

Herman looked at her confused..

"But she is really nice.. She stays with Aurelia.. And they both are happy.. "

Janet hummed while watching over the kids..

"Keep your eyes open Herman.. Aurelia is my best friends daughter.. And I wouldn't want anything happening to her.. "

Herman sat there frozen but then nodded..

"You remember the promise Megan made? "

Herman spoke and Janet nodded..

"Yeah.. And I would love to go ahead with it.. "

Herman nodded..

"I have thought about it too.. Seeing how happy Aurelia looks with Owen, they will be a good pair.. But I want Aurelia to grow up and make her decision on her own.. I don't want to pressurize her.. "

Janet nodded..

"Me neither.. Though Megan promised that one day our kids will be married but it's upto them honestly.. If Aurelia and Owen thinks that they are not good together, we shouldn't do something to force them together.. "

Herman hummed, not aware of the person who stood behind them with a grin.. It was Silea who was very happy with the little information she got.. It only made her work easier..

Later That Night

Owen was brushing his teeth when he heard a knock. He opened the door, toothbrush in mouth, and there stood Silea—her eyes wide, her fingers twisting the edge of her nightgown.

“I had a bad dream,” she said, voice small.

“Um... okay?” Owen blinked.

“Can I just sit here a minute? I don’t want to be alone.”

He sighed, shrugged, and let her in.

She perched on the bed carefully, watching him brush his teeth in the mirror. Her reflection looked small and fragile—her eyes just a little too big, her voice a little too meek.

“I miss my old room. Before I came here,” she said quietly.

Owen grunted, uninterested.

“You’re lucky,” she continued, “Aurelia loves you a lot.”

“She’s my friend.”

“I wish I was your friend too,” she said softly, placing a hand on his pillow. “But maybe I will be. Soon.”

Owen frowned, turning. “Why are you in my room, again?”

Silea stood up quickly, her smile disappearing.

“I’ll go. Sorry.”

And just like that, she vanished into the hall.

Owen stared at her retreating back before closing the door..

"She is... weird! "

Two Days Later

Aurelia noticed it first—how Owen was quieter around her. How he no longer stayed behind after games. How he avoided eye contact when she tried to talk about the “dream world” they used to imagine together.

And Silea? She was always just there. Standing beside Owen in a photo. Sitting too close during movie night. Answering questions directed at someone else.

One afternoon, Aurelia finally asked, “Do you like Silea?”

Owen wrinkled his nose. “No. She’s weird.”

Aurelia blinked. “Then why don’t you talk to me like before?”

Owen looked uncomfortable. “Because she keeps showing up, and you don’t say anything.”

Aurelia went quiet.

"You don't know what she went through.. "

Owen, who was reading a book, let his book down.. His attention fully on Aurelia..

"She was in an orphanage all these years.. Her parents abandoned her.. They used to treat her so badly.. "

When Aurelia finished, Owen's gaze didn't change..

"And your papa is giving the the best life already.. Why are you acting like you were behind why her parents left her? As if you wrote her fate? "

Aurelia looked away..

"But I had the perfect life.. I always lived lavishly.. She didn't.. "

Now Owen looked confused..

"So? Does that change something? She is having it now.. But don't exaggerate it Aurelia.. It's okay that you feel it that way but don't make a habit out of it.. Sometimes what's yours is yours.. Sharing is not always caring.. "

Aurelia looked down, her own feelings having fights..

The Next Day

Aurelia came into the kitchen, braid a little messy, eyes heavy. She barely touched her breakfast, which didn’t go unnoticed by Janet or Herman.

“Did you not sleep well?” Janet asked gently.

Aurelia nodded slowly. “I was just thinking.”

“What about?”

The silence stretched. Herman was about to let it go when Aurelia whispered, “Do you think I’m selfish?”

The room stilled.

Janet leaned in. “Of course not, sweetheart. Why would you ask that?”

Aurelia looked down at her hands. “Because sometimes I want things to be just mine. Like stories. Or my friends. But I give them away anyway. Because… I have to, right?”

Herman’s heart broke a little. “No,” he said firmly. “You don’t have to give away things that are special to you. That’s not kindness, that’s loss.”

Aurelia blinked up at him, eyes wide. Janet gave Herman a long, meaningful look.

“Sharing is good,” she said carefully, “but not when it makes you disappear.”

She smiled and started to eat.. Oscar, who was also observing after Janet told him about it, looked worried about it too..

IN THE AFTERNOON

Owen had gone horse riding with his father.. Aurelia wanted to go but she knew that if she said that, Silea would want to go and she can't even say no.. So she stayed behind..

They both sat under the cherry blossom tree and Silea was again wearing the flower crown that Aurelia made with care.. This time she didn't ask.. She just took it without asking Aurelia..

"Next time, ask before taking my flower crown.. "

Aurelia mustered up the courage to say it out loud this time.. Silea stopped what she was doing and looked at her..

"I... I thought.. You always give it to me.. "

Aurelia tilted her head..

"Because I wanted to.. But you can't just take it.. "

Silea looked down and put the flower crown down..

"I am sorry.. I wouldn't take it anymore.. Please don't be mad.. "

She sniffed and it melted her heart.. She couldn't be mad anymore but setting some boundaries was needed..

"It's fine this time.. Also.. If you want Owen to be your friend, please choose your own way.. You don't need to bring me in the conversation.. And Owen is my friend from a long time ago.. Sometimes, I would like to spend some time with him alone.. I am not used to sharing my friends.. "

Silea had tears streaming down her cheeks now..

"I am so sorry.. I just wanted to be friends.. I was always alone in the orphanage.. But I think I don't deserve it.. I am sorry.. "

Aurelia was instantly guilty..

"Hey.. I didn't mean-"

By then she was crying loudly that made Herman and Janet walk in the scene.. Silea instantly hugged Herman as if Aurelia hurted her physically..

"Silea.. What happened? "

Herman asked while Aurelia stood dumbfounded at her reaction.. She didn't say something hurtful anyway..

"I am sorry Mr Vance.. I don't deserve to live here! Please send me back.. "

It confused everyone.. Herman looked at Silea and then at his own daughter who looked confused..

"What happened? Why are you saying that? "

He asked again..

"Aurelia doesn't like me.. I just wanted to be close to her and be friends with her friends but she doesn't like it.. She doesn't like that I play with them.. "

She totally twisted the story that made Aurelia mad..

"What are you saying? All I told you is Sometimes I want to spend time with Owen only.. What's so bad in it? "

She said being frustrated.. But Herman shot a sharp look at her..

"Aurelia? We always have to be kind, okay? You both are sisters now.. Don't let misunderstandings ruin it.. Okay? And Silea? She is still adjusting, okay? You need to understand that too... "

She nodded and wiped her tears.. Aurelia looked at her father in disbelief.. This is the first time his was a bit harsh with her.. Silea was clearly exaggerating it..

Just then Owen and Oscar returned..

"Owen? Do you want to go for another ride? "

Owen shrugged, ready to go.. Oscar helped her get on the saddle..

"I want to go as well.. "

Silea said with shaky voice.. There were only two horses.. It means she has to share one.. After what happened, Aurelia wouldn't allow..

"Later.. There is no more horse.. "

Aurelia said and Silea looked down..

"It's okay.. Aurelia? Two can ride one.. "

Herman said, which left everyone shocked.. Silea smiled, not acknowledging Aurelia anymore because Herman seemed to be on her side..

"I want to ride with Owen.. He is more experienced.. "

Owen wanted to Disappear but it was too late..

Silea sat behind Owen, her hands wrapped around his waist.. Aurelia didn't wait for them and went ahead.. In that moment she realized that Silea wasn't as vulnerable as she thought.. She was much more than that..

Something that doesn't set with her..