Novel & Cerita The Charming Landlady

They chatted more in the room until the landlady’s son called her upstairs for dinner, and she slowly turned to leave. Eulalia headed to the kitchen and steamed some egg to eat; she hadn’t actually eaten yet, claiming she had in town just to avoid bothering the landlady. She wasn’t the easiest person to get along with, with a reserved nature and a dislike for pandering to others. She preferred to minimize inconvenience. The landlady treated her well, and she was grateful, but more often than not, she felt she was exploiting kindness.

"You're welcome, dear. Now, if you need anything at all, don't hesitate to ask. I'm just next door." Ayana returned the landlady's smile, her heart overflowing with gratitude for the kindness and support she had received. "Thank you," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "I truly appreciate everything you've done for us. This house already feels like a home, thanks to you." The landlady's smile widened, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "You are very welcome, Ayana," she replied, her voice gentle. "I'm glad I could help in some small way. Remember, we are neighbors now, so don't be a stranger."

She stammered. “You accursed thing, did you just call me an imp?” The landlady snapped, her arms crossed before her chest and her face twisted in anger. “N-no, not at all!” Calantha quickly lied. Mrs. Smith pushed her way inside, her sharp eyes scanning the apartment. “Four months.” She barked. “Four months of unpaid rent, do you really think that you can continue to stay here for free?” Calantha fell to her knees, clasping her hands in a plea. “Please, Mrs. Smith. Just give me a little more time. I’ll pay everything, I promise.”

Nichole shot up from the couch in alarm, her phone slipping from her hands. Five unfamiliar men stormed into the small living room, their movements quick and confident. Behind them, the landlady strolled in at her own pace, a wicked grin spreading across her face. She didn’t look angry anymore—she looked triumphant. “So,” she said coolly, eyeing the stunned family, “did you really think you could hide here forever?” Her voice, though soft, dripped with threat. “I’ve had enough of your excuses,” she snapped, suddenly raising her voice. “Six months of playing dumb. Six months of lies. But lucky for me…” she smiled sweetly, almost mockingly, “this building was just purchased earlier today.”

Taking off her coat, she hung it on one of the pegs in the small hallway and went into the kitchen. The landlady was holding a cigarette, sitting at the tiny Formica table. The smoke curled above her in a hazy cloud. Though small, the kitchen was neat and tidy as usual, and the radio was burbling in Polish in the background. Magda looked up, relieved to see her. “You got home through the snow. I was worried. Good day?” Magda asks, but Danica notices her strained smile and the tension in her lips as she takes a long drag from her cigarette.

But every time Rachel slowed down, my heart raced, fearing we'd be found out. Finally, we stumbled upon a quaint cottage, nestled in a grove of trees just outside of town. It was small, but it had a cozy charm that felt welcoming. Rachel pulled over, and we approached the landlady, a plump woman with a kind smile and a no-nonsense attitude. She took one look at us, huddled together with our suitcases, and her expression softened. "Looking for a place to stay?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

He looked calm, but I could see the anger simmering beneath the surface. "Who are you?" the landlady demanded. "I'm a friend of Ms. Sterling's," Jonathan said, walking up the stairs. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. "How much does she owe?" The landlady blinked, surprised. "Three hundred dollars. Plus late fees." Jonathan counted out the money, handing it over without hesitation. "That should cover it. And I'd appreciate it if you didn't threaten her again." The landlady took the money, her expression shifting from anger to confusion. She mumbled something under her breath and walked away, leaving us alone.

He hadn't asked why a quiet, pregnant twenty-one-year-old girl was the beneficiary. Mrs. Gable had wept when Evelyn quietly told her that she was the new landlady. The old woman had been terrified that the building would be sold to a developer who would evict the bakery to build luxury beachfront condos. Instead, Evelyn had insisted on keeping the rent exactly the same, with the sole condition that she could continue working her morning shifts behind the counter.

"The day she moved out." He nodded slowly. "She paid six months' rent even though she wasn't staying." "Why?" "So another tenant could move in without me losing income." Adrian blinked. Even after leaving... She had still been thinking about someone else. The landlady continued. "She was the kindest tenant I've ever had." "What was she like?" The older woman laughed softly. "Quiet." "Hardworking." "And always worried about other people." She hesitated. "There was one thing that always made me sad."

Yes, she had no reason not to like him, she told herself. Just as he was in a trance, someone knocked on the door. There were only three sounds, but the rhythm was clear. Laura felt that the knock on the door was very familiar, so he hurriedly opened the door, and it was the landlady when the door opened. The landlady lives on the first floor, a Parisian, and she dresses very well. As soon as Laura opened the door, she could smell the perfume on her body. Although Nathan has always said that she is not very friendly, she is not bad to Laura. She not only greets her often, but also talks about Paris fashion with Laura.