Chapter 4: Replaced as a Daughter

Evelina’s POV

I woke up. Saw curtains I didn't know.

Right. Guest room. I was back here.

I washed up and went straight to Mother's room. I wanted to see her before the household got busy with the Lycan King's visit.

I knew her morning routine by heart. Her medicine came before breakfast. She wasn't supposed to drink coffee on an empty stomach, and there were foods the doctor had told her to avoid.

I used to prepare those things for her myself.

When I reached her room, I heard Aurelia talking.

"Mother, you need to finish this first. The doctor said you shouldn't skip breakfast."

I knocked lightly.

Mother looked toward the door. "Evelina. Come in."

Aurelia was beside her, holding a small tray. The nurse stood near the medicine cabinet, checking the bottles.

"How are you feeling, Mother?" I asked.

"Much better."

I went closer and looked at the medicine on the table. One bottle was different.

"Did your prescription change?"

The nurse answered, "Last week. The doctor adjusted the dosage."

I nodded. "All right."

Aurelia handed Mother a glass of water. "Here. Take your medicine first."

Mother did as she was told.

I stood there, waiting for a chance to help. I could have checked the medicine, prepared her breakfast, or asked the nurse about her condition. But Aurelia was already doing everything.

The family doctor arrived shortly after. He greeted Mother and checked her condition. Then he turned to Aurelia and discussed the latest results with her.

She had the medical records ready. She knew the new schedule. Even the nurse asked her what time Mother had taken her previous dose.

I kept quiet.

"Mother, should I prepare something for you later?" I asked.

Aurelia answered gently, "I've already arranged her meals. But thank you."

I looked at Mother.

She didn't correct her.

"All right," I said. "I'll come by again."

"Don't forget to eat," Mother reminded me.

That was all.

I left the room with my hands empty.

She's her real daughter. Of course Mother would let her take care of her. I have no right to sulk.

I repeated that to myself while walking downstairs.

The servants were rushing around the estate. Some carried decorations, others cleaned the halls, and a few were arranging the guest rooms.

I didn't want to spend the whole morning sitting alone, so I approached a woman carrying a basket of folded tablecloths.

"Do you need help?"

She looked at me, then at the basket.

"Miss, Only staff can take that".

She stopped when she noticed my face.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean"

"It's fine," I told her.

I took the basket before she could say anything else.

"Where should I bring these?"

"The east hall, miss."

I went there and placed the tablecloths on a nearby table. There were still several things to arrange, so I helped with those too.

Nobody asked me to stop. Nobody asked why I was doing it.

That was fine. At least I had something to do.

I was carrying another stack of folded cloths when I heard someone call my name.

"Evelina?"

I turned.

Damon Kessler stood a few steps away. His eyes went straight to the things in my arms. He looked at me again, as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"What are you doing here?"

"Helping."

He gave a short laugh.

"Helping the servants?"

I didn't answer. I tried to walk past him, but he moved slightly and blocked my way.

"So you're begging now?" His eyes dropped to the cloths. "Are you carrying a cloth so everyone can pity you?"

My fingers tightened around the stack.

"I'm just helping with the preparations."

"Don't give me that."

His voice was getting louder. A servant nearby stopped arranging the flowers and glanced in our direction.

Damon noticed but didn't lower his voice.

"I know exactly what you're doing. You come back after everything that happened, then start acting like some poor girl who has nowhere to go."

I looked at him.

I was tired. My arms were already aching, and I hadn't even finished the work. I didn't want another argument, especially not with him.

"I didn't ask anyone to feel sorry for me."

His expression hardened.

"Then stop acting like you deserve their sympathy."

I had no answer for that.

I placed the folded cloths on the table beside me. My hands were beginning to shake, and I didn't want him to see it.

Damon stepped closer.

"Don't think I've forgotten what you did to Aurelia."

I lowered my eyes.

He still believed I had done it.

And after two years of silence from this family, I no longer knew how to make anyone listen.

"Excuse me," I said quietly.

I picked up the empty basket and walked away.

But Damon called after me.

"Don't expect me to believe your little act, Evelina."