To Keep Company

"Adriana. Anna, don't sleep here. You might catch a cold," gently said a woman who creased her black hair.

Adriana sat up, rubbing her eyes, and smiled as she saw Madam Elphina wrapping her scarf around her neck.

"Madam Elphina," called Adriana, who gave her a hug.

There was a hump on her stomach, and with her tiny hands, Adriana patted it, trying to imitate Madam Elphina when she felt the baby in her kick.

"Oh dear, look at your hair," giggled Madam Elphina, who removed a leaf off her hair.

The little Adriana snuggled in her arms and wished this warmth never faded. Madam Elphina treated Adriana like her own daughter from the day she was born. And for Adriana, there was only one person she called mother, who was Madam Elphina.

"Anna, I have a favor to ask you."

"What is it?" The little Adriana titled her head while kicking her feet in the air.

"I want you to take care of this child," Madam Ebony smiled, leaving the little Adriana confused.

"Of course! I will don't worry," the little Adriana jumped down.

"Thank you, Anna."

At that time, little Adriana did not understand what those words meant. She thought Madam Elphina would be there to see them grow, but her life was cut short.

Those words felt bitter, but Adriana kept her promise and will continue to keep it. The kindness and gentleness she received from her will never be forgotten.

Her fingers twitched, and her eyes fluttered, greeted by the sunlight. Adriana slowly got up from the bed and gazed out of the window. Her mind was still fuzzy, and her last memory was being transferred out of the room.

Right. There was Raven. If it weren't for Raven, she might have woken up in the room. Adriana cursed, feeling her chest boil. Madam Jocelyn sure did great to her. But at least she did not feel defeated.

A few minutes later, Joana entered the room, and to her surprise, she cried seeing her awake. Adriana had to comfort her but didn't know how. She just copied others by patting her back.

Sooner, Raven and the twins arrived in her room. Raven looked as if he was about to cry but held it in, not wanting to embarrass himself.

But that incident shocked him greatly. It was his first time seeing Adriana look so weak. As if she was about to die.

If not for Astell.

"Are you feeling sick anywhere?" Raven asked Adriana, who shook her head.

"My body feels sore, but I'm alright."

"The doctor advises for your wounds to be tended day and night. Also, not to wander around the mansion for at least a week," nagged Raven, who saw Adriana dazing out. He frowned and asked, "Is there a problem? Are you feeling unwell?"

Adriana shook her head. Instead of feeling unwell, something felt off in her. It was the same feeling when Astell saved her that time.

"Did Astell come here?" Asked Adriana, which made Raven flinch. He didn't want to tell her, but in the end, she found out.

"Yes, he saw you in bad condition and helped you," answered Raven, who clicked his tongue.

"Why was he here?"

"He came here to deliver this," Raven brought out a white handkerchief and unfolded it, revealing a hairpin.

"My hairpin…" Adriana muttered, and a tear slipped out of her eye.

Was that dream a coincidence? She had just dreamt about herself during her younger years. It wasn't just a normal dream but a dream where she saw the clear face of Madam Elhpina.

Everyone in the room panicked, seeing Adriana cry out like a child. They were all surprised to see Adriana acting like a little girl for the first time. And those who saw it swore to never allow anyone to make Adriana cry.

A week has passed since then. The marriage had been pushed back for another two weeks because of Adriana's condition. And every now and then, Astell would visit her.

"I told you. You don't have to visit me," said Adriana keeping her eyes on the book she was reading.

"I cannot do so. You are an injured person. I cannot leave you alone," insisted Astell, who had kept his eyes on Adriana since he arrived.

"Why are you here? Didn't sister say you don't have to see her," grumbled Raven.

"Raven, why are you here? Don't you have some business to do?" Adriana shut her book, glaring at him. "I also informed you. You don't have to keep me company."

"I cannot when sister is going to be alone with a man," argued Raven, who glared at Astell.

As time passed, Adriana started to wonder if Raven had matured or not. She knew he was just protective of her. But still, he doesn't have to go that far.

As for Astell, they weren't even married yet. But acts like a worried husband. Adriana could feel a wave of headaches coming over the next few days. All she wanted was a quiet room.

"I'm here to discuss the wedding preparations," Astell smiled at Raven, who smiled back at him.

"I see, then please go ahead. I'm just an invisible wall right now," Raven rested his back on the seat.

"If you say so," acknowledge Astell. "Lady, do you feel comfortable having an invisible wall here? If so, I can bring it out."

"Yes, please do so," agreed Adriana while Astell dragged Raven out of the room.

When the doors shut behind Raven. He clicked his tongue once more and huffed like a child. Because of this, Raven will never forget what Astell had done to him.

"I'll never forgive you," Astell stopped his foot along the hallway.

Astell took his seat while Adriana placed the book on the table. When their eyes met, they stayed quiet. Somehow this atmosphere was not suffocating or weird. They didn't mind staying like this for a while.

"The wedding preparations are almost completed. After the wedding, we'll be living in the Helene Mansion."

"The Helene Mansion?" Questioned Adriana, hearing this name for the first time.

"It's my wedding gift for you."

A wedding gift. Adriana did not think much about this and felt inconsiderate toward the other party.

"I…I don't have anything to give you,"

These kinds of things, Adriana did not know what to do. She had zero experience giving gifts whatsoever.

Astell chuckled then smiled at her, "It's alright. The lady doesn't have to give me anything. All I want from you is your company."

"Company?" Repeated Adriana and nodded Astell.

"Yes, I hope the lady will never leave my side," Astell stood up and kissed her fingers. "If not, this is my selfish request after saving you not just once but four times."

Adriana looked away and blushed. She nodded adorably, which made Astell want to throw her into his arms.