Read The villainess daughter :: Nice to be together

Neri stirred early, the warmth of the bed unfamiliar in its softness. A sudden image flickered behind her closed eyelids—bright sunlight streaming through a tall window, a soft hand reaching out to her, a voice whispering her name. But the memory was hazy, slipping away like smoke.

She sat up slowly, blinking at the room bathed in morning light. It was wide, elegant—too beautiful for someone like her. Had this always been hers? Had they waited all this time?

"So it’s real," she murmured.

She moved to climb down, but her foot met something warm.

"Ouch!"

"S-sorry, I didn’t see you," she gasped.

Nathan rubbed his eyes, looking up with a sleepy smile. "Where are you going?"

"I’m..." she hesitated. The last time she’d asked for food, she’d been sold.

Nathan sat up, gently taking her hand. "Neri, that woman wasn’t your family. She only pretended. You don’t have to be afraid anymore. If you’re hungry, just say so. You’re safe here."

He leaned in and hugged her tightly. "We’re really happy to have you back. We missed you so much."

Taking her hand, he added, "Come on, let’s go eat."

They walked together, and as they passed a tall mirror, Neri paused.

"That’s a mirror," Nathan said.

She stepped closer, fascinated. She’d only seen her reflection in water—distorted, unclear. Now, the girl in the glass stared back perfectly. Her hand rose, and so did the girl’s. Her breath caught.

"Wow," she whispered.

She looked at Nathan’s reflection beside her. "We look alike, don’t we?"

He nodded, grinning. Their eyes, golden with a hint of violet—reminded her of sunrise.

"Why do we look the same?"

"Because you two are twins," a familiar voice said.

They turned. Their father stood behind them, his eyes soft. "You were born on the same day."

"It’s early. What are you two doing up?"

Just then, a loud rumble echoed from Neri’s stomach. Her cheeks flushed.

Both men laughed.

"Sounds like someone’s starving," her father chuckled, lifting them both with ease. "Let’s get you fed."

Neri looked once more at her reflection before they left. A family. She really liked the word. Nathan smiled at her like he’d heard the thought.

The dining room was large, centered by a grand table. Her father set her down beside him. Nathan took the seat to her right.

"Joel, let the head chef know we’ll be having breakfast early," her father called.

Suddenly—

"NERIII!" someone bellowed before a blur of motion swept into the room.

He had soft brown hair like her father and twilight eyes like her mother.

He scooped her up, spinning her once before hugging her tightly.

"Do you remember me? I missed you so, so much!"

She blinked. "Um..."

"Of course she doesn’t, Duffus. She was two when she left," someone scoffed.

"Keir!? Weren’t you supposed to arrive tomorrow?" Alen exclaimed.

A young man entered, strikingly similar to their mother. He took Neri gently from the younger boy’s arms.

"Hey! I just got—"

Keir silenced him with a look.

Neri stared. He had the same commanding air as Akana. He smiled.

"Hello, little Neri. I’m your brother Keir. You’ve grown since I last saw you."

Their father raised a brow. "How are you here so early? We sent the letter at dawn yesterday."

"I left the moment I got it. Traveled without stopping."

"Keir!?" Akana rushed in, her voice full of emotion. He set Neri down and embraced her.

Alen quickly came and carried her again.

He walked to the table and sat her down as some people brought them plates of food.

Alen sat next to her, and Nathan ran over and sat on the last empty spot beside her.

"Darling, Joel told me you arrived drenched. What happened?"

"It rained on the way," Keir replied.

"Why didn’t you rest?"

"He traveled straight through," Alen muttered, mouth full.

Keir sighed, "I told them to rest for the night, and I would come alone.

I changed as soon as I arrived and came to see Neri.

Don't worry, Mom, you probably would have done the same in my situation."

Their father intervened, smiling. "Akana, love. He’s here. Safe. Let’s just enjoy this morning."

Neri, Alen, and Nathan were quietly entertained by Akana’s scolding as they ate. More dishes arrived. It felt endless.

"Neri, weren’t you sitting next to me?" her father pouted.

"I barely got to hug her," Keir added with a huff.

Neri giggled. The sound surprised her. It felt warm, being here. Real.

She looked up and realized everyone was staring at her intently, their eyes lit with joy.

"My baby is so cute!" Her mother exclaimed.

Neri ate many plates of food, and she sat back and let out a sigh of satisfaction.

Then she noticed a woman collecting dishes.

Neri moved to help. "Let me—"

"Oh, please, Miss Neri," the woman gasped. "Allow me."

Neri bowed slightly. "Thank you, ma’am."

The woman nearly cried. "No need to be so formal! It’s an honor to serve you."

Nathan grabbed her hand. "Let’s go play."

"But I haven’t washed the dishes—"

"Please, Miss, leave it to me." The lady gave her a warm smile.

Nathan grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the dining room. "Let's give you a tour."

"There are nine main rooms. Three downstairs, six up. Our rooms are on the second floor."

There were also two massive side buildings—one was a ballroom with guest rooms, the other a sprawling indoor garden. The estate felt like a maze—endless halls and unfamiliar turns—but Neri’s sharp memory kept pace.

"Why are there two kitchens and dining rooms?"

"For guests. Second floor’s family-only."

"She catches on fast," said a voice behind them.

Nathan jumped, "When did you get here!?"

Alen burst out in laughter, "Been trailing you since the tea room. It seems Neris here is braver than you."

She shrugged, "I thought you knew he was behind us."

"What’d I miss?" Keir asked, appearing like a shadow.

Alen and Nathan both yelped. Neri blinked slowly.

"You guys are too jumpy," Keir smirked. He lifted her effortlessly. "Have you seen the training grounds yet?"

Nathan shook his head. "Just finished the mansion. Didn’t show her the globe building yet."

"Perfect. Let’s go. You’ll like the training yard, Neri. It’s where we learn to be strong."

Neri didn’t say anything, but she nodded.