"Lady Aria has woken up," she announced to the others, lending a hand to help Aria out of bed. Confusion flickered across Aria's face as she looked around at the assembled maids.
“You fell asleep during your shower, Lady,” Lena explained, offering an introduction since Aria had dozed off earlier. “I’m Lena, your personal maid. I couldn’t introduce myself earlier because you were asleep.”
“I’m Elise,” another maid chimed in.
“I’m Nora,” said the next.
“And I am Greta, Lady Aria. Welcome to your new family. We are all here as your personal attendants,” Greta concluded, offering a warm smile.
"Lady Lyra is waiting to have dinner with you. Let’s get you into your nightwear quickly before heading downstairs, Lady Aria,” Lena spoke with urgency, swiftly unfurling her hair as the others sprang into action, their movements efficient and practiced. In a matter of minutes, they had whisked Aria into her nightwear, smoothing out any wrinkles and adjusting her attire to perfection, all in preparation for the dinner with Lady Lyra.
Time: 7:30pm,
As Aria descended the stairs, her maids flanking her, she was met by Lady Lyra seated at the dining table. The grandeur of the room caught her attention immediately. The chandelier, suspended from the center of the ceiling, cast a radiant glow, its myriad of crystals refracting the light to create a mesmerizing display across the room. The dazzling brightness bathed the space in a warm, inviting aura, accentuating the opulence of the room. Aria stood briefly, captivated by the breathtaking sight before taking her seat, the spectacle of the chandelier lingering in her mind.
“Are you lazy?” The first words left Lady Lyra’s mouth after reaching her home. Aria was shocked by her change of behaviour comparing how she spoke in orphanage and her home.
Aria didn’t speak a word the whole day which made Lady Lyra get more angry. “Can’t You speak? The orphanage lady didn’t inform me about that. Did they scam me?”
Aria’s eyes filled with tears.
“The lady of Everhart should never cry. You need to learn a lot of discipline,” Lady Lyra yelled. Realizing how she sounded Lady Lyra composed herself and …“Sit down” Her voice reverted suddenly to a soft tone which greatly confused Aria but she did as she was told.
"Starting tomorrow, your training to become the future head of the Everhart family will commence. I trust you'll exhibit considerable interest and prove yourself as a leader deserving of my commendation. For now, please enjoy your meal."
The meal ended in a quiet atmosphere, with Lady Lyra and Aria exchanging no further words, leaving the room enveloped in an awkward silence.
The maids observed the tension between Lady Lyra and Aria, sensing an uneasy air but knowing better than to interject when the head of the family held the floor. Their concern lingered, masked by the silent understanding of when to remain silent in the presence of authority.
“Take rest and don’t be lazy tomorrow” Lady Lyra's words hung in the air as she slowly retreated to her chambers, leaving an aura of unresolved tension in the room. Aria's appetite waned amidst the palpable tension, and she pushed her plate away, barely having eaten anything.
"Lady Aria, please, have some more," Lena urged with concern, but Aria shook her head, declining the offer, and rose from her chair.
Lena noticed a disappointed expression on Aria’s face as she returned to her room, which left Lena feeling equally saddened.
"Please don’t mind Lady Lyra's words, Lady Aria. I'm certain she's just concerned." Aria's hopes for a new and loving family were deeply shattered.
Aria's life at the orphanage had been bleak, devoid of affection or comfort. The figurehead of the orphanage, though outwardly kind, concealed a sinister nature. This person used the guise of charity to exploit and manipulate the children, employing harsh rules and punishments to maintain control. Aria's days were spent in a sterile environment, where love was a foreign concept and care was rationed, if given at all.
So, when the Everhart family expressed interest in adopting her, Aria's heart fluttered with hope. Dreams of having a family, a place to belong, and the love she had been denied seemed within reach. But as she stepped into her new home, the opulence around her couldn't conceal the absence of genuine affection. The grandeur of her surroundings, the lavish furnishings, and the delicious meals were merely a veneer, masking the void where familial love should have been.
The realization slowly dawned on Aria that she had merely exchanged one empty existence for another, trading the familiar harshness of the orphanage for a place that, despite its opulence, lacked the warmth and care she craved. The disappointment was a bitter pill to swallow, leaving her feeling more alone than ever before.
Lena felt it was best not to burden Aria further with cheerful words. Instead, she believed that allowing her to rest for the remainder of the day would ensure a fresh start for her tomorrow.
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