What do I honestly expect?
I’m sure she never truly considered me her real daughter from the very beginning.
If she had, she would’ve known exactly what I was capable of.
She would’ve known the skills I possess… the very skills that allowed me to earn that money.
But no…
To her, I was nothing more than a temporary replacement.
And now that her real daughter has returned… my purpose is over.
Rose lay motionless on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling as fresh tears silently rolled down the sides of her face.
Her heart felt unbearably heavy.
Just then…
Click.
The door to Rose’s room slowly swung open, prompting her to immediately lift her tear-filled eyes toward the entrance.
Standing there was the same young woman with the long, silky black hair and thin-rimmed glasses.
Kayda.
The very girl who had secretly uploaded the restaurant video to the academy’s online page.
Rose blinked in surprise.
I didn’t even lock the door, she thought with slight annoyance.
Just imagine if that useless Williams had followed me here instead.
That idiot would’ve assumed I was crying because of him.
The thought alone irritated her enough to wipe away another tear.
“Hi.” The young woman smiled brightly before giving a cheerful wave.
“I’m Kayda. Mind if I come in?”
Rose stared at her for a brief moment.
And what exactly does she want from me? she wondered, completely puzzled by the unexpected visit.
After swallowing the lump in her throat, she managed a faint smile. Read this novel at g.com for the best experience.
“Sure… come in. I’m Rose.”
“Nice to officially meet you.”
Kayda stepped into the room before gently closing the door behind her.
Without waiting for an invitation, she casually walked over and sat on the edge of the bed beside Rose, making herself surprisingly comfortable.
She studied Rose’s face for a few seconds before raising an eyebrow.
“Don’t tell me you’re crying because of those losers.”
She let out a dismissive scoff.
“If it’s because of them, then you seriously need to stop. People like Williams and Emily don’t deserve a single one of your tears.”
Rose quickly shook her head.
“N.. No… it isn’t because of them.”
She hurriedly wiped the remaining tears from her eyes with the back of her hand before forcing out a weak smile.
“I was… just thinking about something else.”
Kayda watched her quietly.
For some reason, she could tell Rose wasn’t lying.
Still, she leaned back slightly before speaking again.
“Good.”
Her tone became unusually gentle.
“Because you really shouldn’t waste your tears on that scumbag.”
She tilted her head slightly while looking directly into Rose’s reddened eyes.
“And honestly…”
A small smile appeared on her lips.
“You shouldn’t cry over anything if you can help it.”
Rose blinked.
Kayda pointed toward her face.
“Look at you.”
She chuckled softly.
“Your eyes are all red now.”
She pretended to sigh dramatically.
“You know… you’re much prettier when you’re smiling.”
Rose couldn’t stop herself from letting out a small laugh.
It wasn’t loud.
Nor was it forced.
It was the first genuine smile she’d managed since ending the phone call with Mrs. Hart.
“Thank you, Kayda.”
Her voice carried genuine gratitude.
“You’re right.”
She took a slow breath before nodding to herself.
“None of them are worth my tears.”
“Now that’s the spirit.”
Kayda grinned proudly before suddenly clapping her hands together. This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
“Since we’re already talking…”
She leaned forward excitedly.
“Would you like to be friends?”
Rose looked at her in surprise.
“I saw everything that happened at the five-star restaurant earlier,” Kayda continued with obvious admiration in her eyes.
“I absolutely loved how you stood up to that bastard.”
She snapped her fingers.
“Williams.”
“Most students wouldn’t even dare look him in the eye, yet you embarrassed him in front of everyone.”
Her grin widened.
“That was honestly refreshing.”
She stretched out her right hand toward Rose for a handshake.
“I’d really like us to become friends.”
“I’m also a student at the academy, so I know this place inside out.”
Her expression became a little more sincere.
“You’re new here, aren’t you?”
Rose nodded.
“I thought so.”
Kayda smiled warmly.
“Then you’ll definitely need someone to show you around the campus.”
She shrugged playfully.
“I can introduce you to the important places, tell you how things work around here, explain which lecturers to avoid, which students are trouble, and maybe even help you survive your first few weeks.”
She laughed.
“So…”
“What do you say?”
Rose stared at the hand stretched toward her.
For a brief moment, she hesitated.
A friend…
She lowered her gaze thoughtfully.
Maybe…
I really do need one after all.
A small smile slowly formed on her lips.
Without another moment’s hesitation, Rose reached forward and firmly shook Kayda’s hand.
“Yes.”
Her smile became warmer.
“I’d love that.”
“Let’s be friends.”
Kayda’s face immediately lit up with excitement.
“Awesome!”
She enthusiastically shook Rose’s hand up and down.
“Trust me, Rose.”
A mischievous grin spread across her face.
“Life at this academy is about to become a whole lot more interesting. I can see that through you.”