The mansion buzzed with excitement, as the noble families prepared for King Zayan's return. Silks swirled, heels echoed, and whispers of celebration floated through the halls. But Miss Aveline stood still at the edge of it all, her mind trapped in a memory that wouldn't fade.
Her eyes were fixed on the young maid who had just stepped through the door. Nora.
There was something about the girl—something that tugged at Aveline's chest every time she looked at her. Nora was beautiful, with a quiet grace that reminded Aveline of someone she once knew long ago. And then, the memory surfaced—cold rain, a tiny bundle, and a stone doorstep beside the orphanage. The sound of her own footsteps walking away.
Eighteen years ago.
Aveline's fingers trembled slightly. If I hadn't left her… she wouldn't be a maid in this house. Her heart clenched. Her daughter—her firstborn—was serving tea, unaware of the blood they shared.
"Here is your tea, ma," Nora said softly, placing the cup before her.
As Nora turned to leave, Aveline's voice broke the silence. "Wait."
Nora stopped.
Aveline rose from her chair. "Do you know your mother?"
Nora hesitated, then shook her head. "Nana—the woman who runs the orphanage—said I was found outside in the rain. I don't know who she is. And I don't want to." Her voice was steady, but a trace of pain lingered beneath her calm.
Aveline lowered her gaze, unable to speak. Nora gave a short bow and exited the room.
Moments later, her two daughters, Zola and Fayra, entered with light laughter, dressed in fine gowns. "Mother, you asked for us?" Zola said, adjusting the tiara in her hair.
Aveline nodded slowly, her expression unreadable. "Sit down."
The sisters shared a look but obeyed.
"There's something I must tell you," Aveline said, her voice quiet but heavy with meaning. "Nora… the maid… she's your half-sister. My daughter. My firstborn."
Zola's face turned pale. Fayra's eyes widened in disbelief.
"I left her at the orphanage when she was a baby," Aveline continued, her voice cracking. "It was the worst mistake I've ever made. And now… after all these years, she's right here in this house."
Silence.
Aveline's tone hardened. "But that's not all. I overheard your conversation. You were planning something—something unforgivable."
Zola stood quickly. "Mother, we didn't mean—"
"Enough," Aveline snapped. "You planned to kill her. So that Nathaira could have Zayan."
Fayra looked down, guilt washing over her face.
"I didn't raise monsters," Aveline said fiercely. "I raised women. Strong women. My biggest failure was abandoning my child. Don't make me regret how I raised the both of you."
She stood, tall and commanding. "If either of you lays a finger on Nora… if you harm her in any way… you'll know what it means to lose everything."
Her voice left no room for argument. Zola and Fayra lowered their heads, speechless.
Aveline turned to the window once more, her reflection in the glass blurred by the tears she refused to let fall.