After the loud crash, I quickly pulled Japen towards the closet. Opening it, I motioned for him to step inside. He understood my silent signal and sighed as I closed the closet door.
Turning to Anya, who stood at the doorway trembling with wide eyes, I gestured for her to come closer.
She obeyed and stopped in front of me. Clearing my throat, I asked, “What did you see?”
She shook her head. “I-I didn’t see anything, Miss.”
I raised an eyebrow at her response, studying her face closely. She avoided my gaze, but her trembling lips and hands betrayed her nerves.
Understanding her shock, I whispered, “Let’s discuss this later. For now, clean up the mess quietly and don’t mention anything to Simmy or anyone else. Understand?”
Anya nodded firmly. “I didn’t see anything,” she repeated.
Satisfied, I smiled and patted her shoulder. “Good. Now go, clean up and bring me another tray of food.”
Anya bit her lip. “But Miss, what should I tell S-Simmy?”
“Uh…” My smile widened. “Nothing. Just ignore her. I’ll handle the explanation-”
Before I could finish, a shout echoed down the hallway outside the room. “Who’s the ill-mannered one throwing food?!”
It was Simmy. I pursed my lips and crossed my arms, signaling Anya to start cleaning up the mess on the floor.
Moments later, Simmy entered the room with her usual authoritative presence. She stood in front of me, glaring as if I’d committed a crime. “What have you done now, Azora?” she demanded.
I shrugged. “Just minor things. Not worth your time,” I replied, turning away. Walking over to the corner mirror, I added casually, “I asked Anya to bring me another tray of food later.”
As I watched myself in the mirror, I saw Simmy narrow her eyes. “Did you throw those food items?”
I picked up a comb and started brushing my hair, keeping quiet. I didn’t want to admit to something I hadn’t done, but I also didn’t want Anya to suffer consequences. So I let Simmy draw her own conclusions.
As expected, she glared at me even more. “Next time you waste food, I won’t feed you for the whole day.”
“Why?” I placed the comb back. “Are those your food? Last I checked, Dad gives you money to buy food for me.”
Simmy took a deep breath and stormed out of the room. I exhaled and glanced at Anya, who was sweeping up broken glass.
“After you clean that mess, go back to the kitchen and bring me food. I’ll explain everything to you then,” I instructed Anya.
She nodded.
I sat on the edge of the bed, glancing at the closed closet. I sighed; hiding Japen was becoming increasingly difficult. I needed to find a way for him to escape before it was too late.
Now that Anya knew the secret, she could be a valuable ally. But I wasn’t sure if I could trust her completely. I needed to assess whether Anya was trustworthy.
I sighed again. Things were becoming more complicated. I had tested Anya and found her reliable, but behind closed doors, I couldn’t be sure of her loyalty.
I bit my lip.
A few minutes later, Anya finished cleaning and turned to leave. I let her go, then waited for her return. Japen remained hidden in the closet.
Shortly after, Anya returned with a tray of food in hand. I noticed she wasn’t trembling anymore. She placed the tray on the bedside table.
Clearing my throat, I asked, “Do you know him?” nodding towards the closet.
Anya stood before me, eyes downcast. She shook her head. “No, Miss.”
“His name is Japen. He’s been trapped in here with me.”
She looked up, our gazes meeting. “S-Since when has he been here, Miss?”
I shrugged. “Since yesterday.” Then I sighed. “If you were in my position, Anya, what would you do?”
She stared at me for a moment before lowering her gaze again. “He can’t stay here, Miss. Your father will be furious.”
A smile crept onto my lips. “And Simmy?”
“She won’t allow it, Miss.”
I nodded, satisfied with her responses. “So I need your help. I want him out of this mansion as soon as possible.”
Anya swallowed hard at my words, biting her lip. “How, Miss?”
I looked at her for a few seconds, then explained my plan. Afterward, I instructed her not to breathe a word of what she had seen or heard in that room to anyone, not even Dad.
“You may go,” I said.
“Okay, Miss.”
Anya exited carefully, closing the door behind her. I watched as she locked it from the outside.
Turning my attention to the small books on the tea table beside the couch, I smiled and stood up. Walking over, I picked up the nearest book and headed for the balcony.
I planned to read to ease the stress of the day. Besides, I missed reading.
Lost in my novel, I lost track of time. I only looked up at the golden horizon when my stomach growled; I had forgotten to eat lunch.
I sighed, shook my head, and quickly went inside. Placing the novel on the tea table, I headed to the closet, glancing at the food tray on the bedside table.
Opening the walk-in closet, the light flickered on automatically. “Japen?”
He was sitting in the corner, hunched over with his eyes closed, leaning against the drawer.
Approaching him, I sat in front and studied his sleeping face. He must have dozed off while waiting for me to open the closet.