Part 03

The clock showed half past seven in the evening, signaling the end of the workday. Thania tidied up her desk, turned off her computer, and left her office. Unlike most employees who headed straight home, she made her way to a small bakery that was still open.

As she entered, she greeted the staff with a warm smile. Within minutes, she had changed into her work uniform, ready to serve customers. Her life was a cycle of two jobs—an office worker by day, a bakery assistant by night.

Thania wasn't working two jobs out of ambition or desire for luxury. She did it for her younger sister, Thalia, who dreamed of going to college. Higher education required a lot of money, and Thania was determined to provide it. No matter how exhausted she felt, she refused to give up. Her family needed her, and that was enough motivation to keep going.

On regular nights, she would work until midnight, which was the main reason she had resigned from working in Daniel's house. Fatigue was her constant companion, but she bore it with quiet strength.

Meanwhile, at the Daniel household, the family was gathered for dinner. The meal was supposed to start at seven, but Daniel had insisted they wait for Thania to join them.

"Papa, can I eat now?" Gabi asked, rubbing his empty stomach.

"I'm starving too, Uncle. How much longer do we have to wait?" his nephew chimed in.

"Daniel, you heard them. The kids are hungry, and we don't even know when Thania is coming home. We can't possibly wait until tomorrow," Rose said, clearly irritated.

Half an hour had passed, and the food had already gone cold. Daniel sighed, realizing he couldn't keep his family waiting any longer.

"Alright, let's eat," he finally said, though disappointment lingered in his tone.

In another part of the house, Gibran had just opened his bedroom door when a firm grip on his arm stopped him. He turned to see his father standing there.

"Gibran. Has your wife come home yet?" Daniel asked, concern laced in his voice.

Gibran remained silent for a moment. He hadn't seen Thania all day and was beginning to wonder about her whereabouts himself.

"Gibran, I asked you a question."

"Yes, Pa."

"Yes, what?"

"She hasn't come home yet. I haven't seen her."

Daniel's brows furrowed in worry. "It's already ten at night. Have you tried calling her?"

"Pa, you should focus on your own health first. Maybe she's just busy. There's no need to worry."

Daniel's worry turned into frustration. "How can you say that? It's late, and your wife is still out. Aren't you even a little concerned? What if something happened to her?"

"Pa, I don't know when she'll be back either. I'm exhausted. Please, just let me rest. Good night."

Without another word, Gibran retreated into his room, shutting the door behind him. He collapsed onto his bed, too tired to dwell on anything further. Within seconds, sleep overtook him.

By midnight, Thania finally arrived home. She opened the bedroom door carefully, her eyes landing on Gibran's sleeping figure. He looked peaceful, his arms wrapped around a pillow. She sighed softly before setting down her bag and heading to the bathroom for a shower.

Though her body ached, she didn't go straight to bed. Instead, she went downstairs to complete the household chores. It didn't matter how exhausted she was—she still had responsibilities in this house. Helping out was the least she could do to avoid feeling like a burden.

Morning arrived, bringing a new day. As usual, Thania woke up earlier than anyone else. Her gaze fell upon Gibran, who was still asleep, hugging his bolster pillow. Her heart pounded as she observed him. He looked so different in sleep—so calm, almost approachable.

But then reality hit her. Do I even have the right to call him my husband?

She was nothing more than a replacement. He never wanted her. The thought stung.

After a quick shower and getting dressed, she saw Gibran rummaging through the closet, searching for something to wear. She hesitated for a moment before stepping closer.

"Gibran, do you need help?"

She was nervous, unsure how he would react. But wasn't this her duty as a wife? She had to at least try.

He didn't respond. He merely glanced at her before grabbing a dress shirt and a suit jacket. Without a word, he shut the closet door and walked past her, heading straight to the bathroom.

Thania let out a quiet sigh. She had hoped for at least a single word, but she should've known better. Expecting warmth from him was a foolish dream.

Breakfast was ready, and the dining table was set. Before eating, Thania went back to the room to inform Gibran.

"Gibran, are you done? I've prepared breakfast."

He only grumbled in response. A moment later, he turned to her, his cold gaze piercing through her. Without saying anything, he walked past her once again, making his way downstairs.

She followed behind him quietly.

At the dining table, Daniel called her over. "Thania."

She approached, standing beside him. "Yes, Papa?"

"I want you to join us for breakfast."

Before she could respond, a sharp voice interrupted. "That's not possible. There's no space left at the table." It was Aunt Dania, Daniel's younger sister, who shot her a condescending look.

Thania's chest tightened, but she forced herself to remain composed.

"Aunt Dania is right, Papa. I'll just eat at work."

Daniel frowned. "But eating at home is healthier."

She smiled, trying to reassure him. "Papa, I promise I'll eat something healthy. Please don't worry about me."

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, leaving the dining room behind. As she passed by Gibran, she stole a quick glance at him, hoping for something—anything.

But all she received was that same cold, indifferent stare.