Chapter 4

A Month Later

Owen returned to his estate as the winter vacation ended.. It was just Theo and Aurelia in the garden, making their own castle with Lego's and setting up dolls as king and queen..

Suddenly Aurelia's face fell into a saddened one.. Theo would leave today, leaving her alone again..

"Lilian.. "

Theo called out but she didn't look at him so he made her look at him..

"You know I'll be back, right? "

She nodded but didn't smile..

"But I'll be Alone till them.. "

She looked down again and Theo hugged her..

"You won't be.. Focus on you studies after the break.. By the time the exams are done, I'll stand in front of you again.. "

He grabbed a strawberry and put in her mouth..

"Now don't be sad! Remember, I'm always with you.. "

EVENING

Theo was ready to leave, everything set inside the car.. Aurelia and her father walked the out.. Before Theo got in the car, he ran back to Aurelia and whispered in her ear..

"Don't let Owen's words get to you.. When we get older, I'll be the one to marry you.. "

Aurelia's face flushed red while Theo ran back in the car and waved at her as the car drove by.. But her smile dropped as her best friend drove away..

The car disappeared around the bend, taking Theo—and his comforting presence—with it. The stillness that followed seemed too loud, too empty. Aurelia stood there on the stone path, her little hands clenched into fists at her sides, the wind playing gently with her golden curls.

Her smile had faded the moment the taillights vanished. She tried to be strong. Tried to remember his words.

"Don't let Owen's words get to you… I'll be the one to marry you…"

Her cheeks still burned at the memory, but the warmth quickly turned cold in the absence of his voice.

Herman watched his daughter closely. It was in the subtle sag of her shoulders, the way she now held her shawl tighter around her body, that he saw just how alone she truly felt.

“Aurelia…” he said softly, placing a hand on her head.

She looked up at him, eyes already glassy.

“I’m okay, Papa,” she said, forcing a smile far too brave for a girl her age. “Theo will be back.”

He nodded, his throat tightening. She didn’t say she was sad. But she didn’t have to.

---

That Night

The Vance estate was unusually quiet after dinner. The fireplace crackled softly in the sitting room, its golden light casting shadows across the ornate carpet where Aurelia now sat cross-legged, drawing in her sketchbook.

Herman stood a few feet away, pretending to read the newspaper. But his eyes often drifted toward her.

She had drawn three stick figures—herself, Theo, and Owen. All smiling. But she paused before sketching anything else. Her crayon hovered over the paper… then slowly, she added another figure. A girl. Slightly apart from the others. No smile on her face.

Herman folded the paper quietly and set it aside.

---

A Week Later

Spring was still months away, but plans were already in motion.

Herman sat across from a tall woman with sharp features and a soft voice. She was the head of a small, private orphanage on the outskirts of the city. He had visited discreetly, wanting to avoid unwanted attention.

“You’re looking for a child around your daughter’s age?” she asked, flipping through her clipboard. “That narrows it quite a bit.”

“Yes. Someone gentle, kind,” Herman said. “My daughter lost her mother last year. She's… lonely.”

The woman gave a small nod of understanding.

“We have a few girls who match the age range, but one in particular stands out. Quiet. Polite. She was brought here two years ago under difficult circumstances. She rarely speaks unless spoken to, but she’s smart and very observant. I think she’d do well in a calm home.”

She turned the clipboard around and slid a photograph toward him.

A small girl stared back at him. Around the same age as Aurelia. Her hair was dark, her eyes large and solemn. A delicate face with an unreadable expression.

Her name: Silea.

“She’s lovely,” Herman murmured, fingers brushing the photo.

The woman smiled faintly. “She doesn’t speak much of her past. But she’s never caused any trouble.”

Herman nodded..

"Get the papers ready.. But there is one condition in this adoption.. "

The lady raised her brows in question.. Herman continued.

"She will be my responsibility for sure.. I'll provide her with everything that I provide my daughter with.. But in exchange she has to be with my daughter all the time.. My daughter should not feel lonely or alone.. And she should never be hurt. And if that happens in near future, as in my daughter gets hurt even an inch, she will be out of the estate.

The lady nodded..

" I understand your concern.. This happened a few times.. Adopted childs take over the real one's.. "

Herman's eyes narrowed..

"What do you mean? "

The lady chuckled..

"Orphans always have a snob story to tell.. The adoptive parents feel too pity on them and overlook their actual kids need.. This happened so much that now we warn people before making decisions.. "

Herman looked down, his own self wondering if he was doing the right thing for her daughter or not.. But the moment her sad face flashed in front of him, he pushed back the negative thoughts..

"That's why there is a condition.. I'm giving her better life, doesn't mean I'll overlook my own daughter.. "

The lady nodded and started preparing for the adoption papers while Herman sat there with uneasiness.. Was he doing the right thing?

2 MONTHS LATER.

The spring rains had washed the garden clean, and everything seemed fresher—greener, livelier, almost as if the estate itself had sighed in relief. Inside the manor, the staff bustled about, preparing the guest wing for someone new. The air was filled with curiosity and whispers.

Aurelia stood in the center of the drawing room, her brows furrowed as she watched the maids change out the drapes in the neighboring bedroom.

“Papa?” she asked, glancing up as Herman entered.

He knelt beside her, smoothing her golden curls.

“Yes, darling?”

“Why are they making the room so pretty?”

Herman hesitated. “Because someone new is coming to live with us.”

Her nose scrunched. “Like a guest?”

“No, sweetheart. Like… a sister.”

Aurelia blinked. “A sister?”

“She doesn’t have a family, and I thought… maybe you could be friends.”

The little girl was quiet, absorbing the news with thoughtful eyes.

“Is she sad like me?”

Herman smiled gently. “Maybe. But she’s also kind. I think she’ll like you very much.”

After a moment, Aurelia nodded slowly. “Okay… but I want to share Mommy’s cookies with her too.”

“You can,” he whispered, pulling her into a warm embrace. “You can share anything you like.”

---

That Evening

The car rolled in just as twilight kissed the horizon. A small figure stepped out, dressed neatly in hand-me-down clothes that had been carefully pressed, her hair tied into twin braids.

Silea.

She looked up at the towering estate, her expression unreadable.Something in her eyes flickered but that was noticed by no one..

Herman approached her with a kind smile.

“Welcome home, Silea.”

Behind him, Aurelia peeked out from behind a pillar, eyes wide with curiosity. The other girl’s presence felt strange—new, uncertain. Not threatening… but unfamiliar.

Silea turned and saw her, a small smile playing at the corner of her lips. She gave a shy wave.

Aurelia stepped out slowly, clutching her mother’s shawl in one hand. She stopped a few feet away.

“Hi… I’m Aurelia.”

“I know,” Silea said. “You look like your picture.”

Aurelia blinked. “I have a picture?”

“Your papa showed it to me. Said you were nice.”

Aurelia’s heart fluttered with something between hesitation and hope. She looked over at her father, who gave her an encouraging nod.

“Well,” she said slowly, “do you want to come see the garden? I’ll show you the secret strawberry patch.”

Silea’s smile widened, and she nodded. “Okay.”

The two girls walked off, the fading sunlight catching their silhouettes as they disappeared down the garden path—two strangers learning how to become something more.

And in the growing dusk, Herman Vance stood silently, wondering if he had made the right decision.

He looked at the twinkling stars..

"Did I do the right thing, Megan? "

Of course no answer came as he hoped but seeing the girls running, holding hands, he did thought he did the right thing..

But he was still cautious.

Because sometimes, even the kindest intentions can plant the roots of future ruin.

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..