Rain’s cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink as she glanced at Alexander, unable to suppress the thought that she truly had hit the jackpot with him. His handso face and the way he carried himself only made her more certain of her fortune.
She chuckled softly, hoping to mask her blushing. "Don’t worry, Aunt," she said, her voice warm and reassuring. "He’s a good man. We can trust him completely—he knows everything about ."
There was a weight to her words, a quiet confidence she hadn’t felt in years. It was more than just admiration for Alexander’s looks; it was the sense of security and trust she had longed for, now finally within her grasp.
lanie nodded, murmuring with relief, "That’s good to hear."
Rain’s face brightened as she suddenly rembered the treats she’d brought. "Oh, and guess what, Aunt? I’ve learned to cook and bake! I brought you so samples, so you have to try them and let know what you think." She bead, pulling her aunt toward a chair and setting the apple pie and cookies on the small table in front of her.
Aunt lanie’s room felt like a small, self-contained apartnt. It had a mini-kitchen, a bitter reminder that her father hadn’t remodelled it for her aunt’s convenience but rather as a way to confine her, ensuring she had everything whenever they would lock her up. Rain suppressed the familiar surge of anger that thought always brought.
Aunt lanie took a seat and glanced toward Alexander, who was still standing by the door. "Shouldn’t you let him sit down instead of guarding the door like a bodyguard?" she comnted with a knowing smile.
Rain sighed. "Well, Dina and I just had a... heated exchange before I ca here. You know how she is when she’s angry."
Before lanie could respond, Alexander chid in, his voice calm but thoughtful. "I should probably head downstairs and give you two so privacy. Besides, your father and stepmother are waiting. I believe they want to have a private talk with ."
Rain t his gaze, her brows furrowing slightly. "Are you sure?"
Alexander’s faint smile reassured her. "I’ll be fine. You two should have your ti together. Besides, I think I’ve already made an impression." His eyes flickered toward Aunt lanie, who gave an approving smile.
Before leaving, Alexander grabbed a chair and wedged it against the door to prop it open, a subtle yet thoughtful gesture. He slipped out, leaving Rain and her aunt to reconnect in peace.
Rain sighed, relieved to have the mont alone with her aunt. She quickly prepared a plate, placing a slice of apple pie and so cookies in front of lanie. "What happened, Aunt? Why did Father lock you up again?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.
Aunt lanie’s faint smile barely reached her eyes as she began eating. "Your father wanted to convince you to co here and bring your husband along. I refused, so he confiscated my phone and locked up. Now that you’re here, with your husband no less, he’ll probably let roam free again."
Rain clenched her jaw, her frustration bubbling beneath the surface. She glanced around the room, noting the stark contrast between the cozy atmosphere and the reality of her aunt’s imprisonnt. "They treat you like a prisoner in your own ho," she muttered under her breath, her eyes darkening.
lanie shook her head gently. "It’s nothing new, Rain. But seeing you, knowing you’re building a life away from all of this, it gives hope."
Rain bit her lower lip as she watched Aunt lanie munch on the apple pie. "Who would have thought you’d take the effort to cook and bake? I rember how you used to hate it, always saying it’s better to just eat than cook," lanie reminisced, then turned to Rain with a teasing glint in her eyes. "Do you like him that much?"
"Yes," Rain confird softly, a warm smile and a blush spreading across her face. Aunt lanie smiled, nodding approvingly. "You two look so in love. I can see it—the way your eyes sparkle whenever you look at each other."
’Love? Was Alexander also falling in love with her already?’ Rain thought, her heart racing at the possibility. She desperately hoped her aunt was right, that the connection between her and Alexander was progressing that fast.
But as she looked around the room, her mont of joy dimd. Her gaze grew sharp and suspicious, scanning every corner. She didn’t trust anyone under this roof—not her father, not Dina, no one.
There could be hidden bugs or spyware in her aunt’s room. Dina had a twisted habit of spying, and it wasn’t unheard of for her to secretly record Aunt lanie in monts of weakness, crying, just to use the footage to tornt Rain.
’No,’ Rain decided, a determined glint in her eyes. She wouldn’t let her guard down here, not in this house. Talking about important matters inside Aunt lanie’s bedroom was too risky.
"Aunt, how about we take a walk outside once you’re done eating?" Rain suggested, trying to mask her concern. Her aunt nodded, grateful for the idea. "I would love that. And this apple pie, Rain—it’s so delicious," lanie praised, taking another bite and finishing the portion Rain had given her.
Rain watched her Aunt lanie with a mix of admiration and guilt. At forty, her aunt looked much younger, still full of life despite everything she had endured. It wasn’t too late for Aunt lanie to have a family of her own, if not for Rain’s father ddling in her life. And sohow, that knowledge weighed heavily on Rain’s heart. It was all because of her... because Aunt lanie had tried to save her, to protect her from the mistreatnt by taking her away and attempting to run.
"I’m sorry," Rain suddenly whispered, her voice tight with emotion. She forced a smile, fighting the tears that threatened to spill.
"Rain, stop that or you’ll make mad. Co on, let’s just head outside," Aunt lanie said firmly, guiding Rain out of the room.
As they strolled through the back garden, Rain asked, "Aunt, if I could find a way to get you out of here, would you be willing to cooperate to gain your freedom?"
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