Chapter 2

“Oh my! You were as beautiful as they say, miss!” The servant suddenly blurted out as his face started shining.

I got taken aback as he started to pester me, “Why is he still pretending to not know me when he quite literally saved my life?”

“Do people say that?” I ask – pretending to get all excited. I’m not too unfamiliar with pretending to be stupid – I’ve survived a decade with my skills. I can play that game with you.

“Yes, of course! All of the people regard you as the most probable heir and the queen of Berpolt!” He exclaimed. I sighed, “I’m going to die sooner if they keep going on like this.”

I hadn’t realized it sooner – I initially thought if I were to become the most outstanding one, I’d be accepted. Of course, that was naive of me to have a thought like that.

I’m turning 25 – I couldn’t even finish my college degree – this family has ruined me from the inside. At this point, why do I care about living or dying?

“Miss? Would you like to walk around with me?” He asked.

It wouldn’t be harmful to open up to the man I’m deciding to seduce, is it now? I still have to figure out why he’s acting stupid – maybe I might have the same sentiments as him.

I accepted his offer – he had to push the wheelchair around while we were talking. Regardless of his racy and almost stupid actions – he was considerate.

“Miss, may I ask? Why did you quit college when you were almost graduating?” He asked – I thought about it deeply.

“It’s just a matter of life and death decision for me,” I pause before turning back to smile at him. “That’s all I can say for now,” I say as I look ahead.

“W-Well, the president will always love you. Maybe-,” I glare at him – he shut his mouth as he flinched at my sudden hostility.

“I don’t need it; I rather get assurance for my life,” I mumble. I notice we’ve made a couple of circles around the garden.

“Um, Walter?” I call out to him as he keeps the smile on his face while dragging me around.

“Oh, miss?” He snaps out of it. I wanted to ask him why he was acting naïve about the situation, but all I could say to him was, “We-we should head back in.”

“I’ll take you there safely, miss!” He exclaimed as we arrived at the room – just as he stated; safely.

“Thank you, Walter,” I smile warmly at him while he flinches before smiling awkwardly – scratching the back of his head.

“Miss, I-uh,” he started to stutter – he seemed like he had something to say. “Walter? What’s wrong? You can speak comfortably,” I assured him.

“Miss, I don’t have anywhere to go! May I stay here?” He blurts out with his eyes closed. I couldn’t help but laugh at his cute antics.

“Of course, Walter. Father assigned you to stay here; you can sleep on the couch,” I said while his eyes sparkled.

“Thank you, miss!” He smiled brightly. I turned around again – however, I caught a glimpse of his cold face in my peripheral vision.

I turned to look at him again; he was smiling brightly without fail – I touch my head, “I seem to be hallucinating today.”

I sit back to my hospital bed, “This doesn’t look like a hospital bed; it’s more like a luxurious bed.

A decade ago, I wouldn’t have thought I’d be able to attain wealth to this extent. However, if I’m given the chance to go back – I’d rather attain a peaceful life rather than covet a life filled with luxury.

Now, I’m caught in this mess and none of my siblings wants to see me alive.

“Would you like to eat some fruits, miss?” Walter asks me as he brings out the stuff my father brought.

I saw a packed UPad, “Can you please bring that over?” I point to the UPad while he nods.

I opened the pack to take the charger out, “You can have this.” I handed him the UPad and his eyes widened.

“Miss? I-I can’t-,” I stopped him as I gave him the whole box. “You can share the charger with me,” I smile as I urge him to accept it.

“Thank you so much, miss! My brother needed this!” He exclaimed and I nodded – he has his family members to take care of. I envy this kind of older brother.

I took out mine and start charging it, “I needed the charger.”

He starts to admire the device as he turned it on. “Just tell me if you need any help,” I said as I start munching on the peeled apple he’d given me.

The night came as Walter spent his time on the UPad, I had free time so I ended up reading about a procedure of the eye that has recently been published by a renowned Optometrist.

I only had a year before the graduation when I was forced to back out – I’m in my mid-twenties now and I can’t continue doing the things I love.

I need to sacrifice them for my life.

“Miss, I suggest you go to sleep now,” Walter suddenly sprung from his seat. “I was going to keep him busy for a longer time,” I thought as I obediently laid down on the bed.

“I’ll protect you, miss!” He exclaimed with a stupid smile on his face. Somehow, his smile seems to calm me down.

I guess if he were to become my husband – my days won’t be so dull anymore. In addition to that, his strength can defeat my family’s hired assassins.

I smile as I pat his head, “I hope you accomplish that.” I lay down and ask Walter to leave the lights on.

Slowly, I slipped into dreamland as I forced myself to sleep another night. I vaguely know I’d get another nightmare but I need to pretend I’ve lost the ability to even think for myself.

I need to pretend I am not capable of feeling emotions – a human void of any type of social interaction. I look beside me to see Walter playing around with the flowers.

“Goodnight, Walter.”