-Nearly thirty years,” Doria answered cautiously.
Bianca nodded.
The years had been long indeed. Thirty years, most of Doria’s life had been spent in the Espina family.
With some reluctance, Bianca looked at Hector.
He looked back at her. This had to be settled or Umberto would not let Albina return to the Espina family.
Bianca got his message and knew there was no other way out, so she said to Doria:
-Doria, I think you are grown up now, so I will give you a sum of money to find a nice place and live the rest of your life in peace. You don’t have to stay here serving us any longer….
Before she could finish the sentence, Doria suddenly collapsed.
Bianca was surprised and rushed to help her up.
-Doria, are you all right?
Doria didn’t wait for him to help her up and grabbed Bianca’s arm in a panic, her face full of grief and helplessness.
-Ma’am, do you want to see me off?
Bianca paused for a moment and nodded.
-I mean it, but we won’t treat you badly. The money is…
-It’s not a question of money,” Doria interrupted her hastily and almost knelt down in front of Bianca. Madam, I have been in the Espina family for almost all my life. I don’t want to leave the Espina family, please don’t send me away.
Then she continued with tears in her eyes.
-I have no children or family, I have been here for thirty years and I got used to this kind of life a long time ago. I cannot leave the Espina family.
-Doria, it was our unanimous decision. Isn’t it good to live your life unhurriedly and comfortably? -Hector pronounced the words and Doria looked at him.
It was already clear to her that the idea must have come from Hector.
Bianca had never wanted to fire her, but after Hector came early in the morning and said something, everything changed.
Doria looked at Hector with pity.
-Mr. Hector, I know I’m old. If you think I’m no longer useful, I can eat less, you don’t have to pay me for my work either, just give me a place to live. I still have some savings and I won’t be a burden to the Espina family.
-What do you mean by that? -Bianca couldn’t resist speaking.
Doria’s words were so humble and pathetic that they made Bianca feel bad. But Bianca had no choice, she wanted to bring her daughter home.
-We can still afford to keep someone. We’re not abandoning you, we just have a reason to do it.
Bianca cut to the chase and didn’t reveal too much, but her attitude was already firm.
When Doria saw Antonio and Hector grimacing and Bianca not looking at her, she finally knew it was all over and that she was not destined to stay in the Espina family.
Her face was somber as she rose from the floor, and she said in a breathy voice:
-I know, I’m leaving now. I’m sorry, I’m the one who caused you all the trouble. Now I’m going to get my things.
Bianca felt a little uncomfortable at his words, but relieved to know that he was leaving.
Suddenly, a surprised female voice came from the door.
-Doria, where are you going? Are you leaving?
Hector frowned and looked toward the door.
It was Diana!
She was wearing a beautiful dress and delicate makeup. Although she didn’t look as good as Albina, she was very attractive with her jewelry and accessories and elegant attire.
But it was enough for Hector to see her for his younger sister’s face to come to mind.
She was an outsider, but she lived like a little princess in the Espina family. In contrast, the real little princess in her family had lived very miserably for the first half of her life.
Although he knew it was none of Diana’s business, Hector felt uncomfortable.
-Brother, you’re back! -another childish voice rang out.
Only then did Hector see the boy following Diana.
Adrian took Diana’s hand and stood next to her, showing himself very dependent and intimate with her.
The scene stung Hector again and he motioned to Adrian.
-Come here, brother. You’re all grown up and still holding your sister’s hand. You’re not manly at all.
Adrian cocked his head to one side, his eyes confused. He had a feeling that something wasn’t quite right with his older brother today.
But the boy couldn’t stand to be provoked, and after Hector said he wasn’t manly, he snapped. He let go of Diana’s hand and lunged at Hector.
-I’m much better than you.
Hector ignored the brat and grabbed him in his arms.
Diana watched the interaction between the two brothers and frowned. She knew that she had always disliked that older brother, and she had a feeling that his dislike for her was even stronger today.
She thought carefully, remembering if she had offended him before, but after half a day’s reflection nothing came to mind.
Doria looked at the girl at the door and her eyes filled with tears.
Diana grew up in Doria’s care, and she cared for her for over twenty years, so they had long since formed a strong bond.
She did not want to leave the Espina family, apart from the fact that she had become accustomed to living here, she also did not want to leave Diana.
-Miss Diana, Mrs. Bianca just fired me, so I’m afraid I won’t be able to stay. Take care of yourself in the future.
At these words, Diana froze and then looked at Bianca in panic.
-Mom, is it true?
Bianca nodded uncomfortably.
-Doria is getting older and it’s time to take care of herself.
At these words, Diana became even more nervous and ran to hug Bianca.
-Mom, please don’t fire Doria. She has been taking care of me for more than twenty years and I am already used to her care. I would feel very uncomfortable if I left her.
-But…
Bianca was about to speak when Diana leaned her head on her shoulder and shook her arm.
-Mom, I can pay Doria’s salary myself. I’ve already saved enough money, I can pay Doria’s share.
When Diana said this, Doria’s eyes were full of emotion.
But these words pierced Hector’s heart.
His face suddenly showed a hint of sarcasm.
-Diana, you got that money from the Espina family, didn’t you? What do you intend here?