[62]

Miya sat on the living room sofa with a worried face. The atmosphere of the mansion had been different since morning. The extra guards Damian had brought in were pacing back and forth with serious looks on their faces. Miya looked at the cup of tea in her hand, not really in the mood to drink it. Kayoko sat beside her, trying to break the ice with funny stories, but Miya's concern was still evident.

“Miya, you're thinking too much,” Kayoko said as she thrust a piece of cake at Miya. “Try eating this. If you continue like that, Damian will definitely worry.”

Miya let out a long breath. “I just feel like something's not right. All this... the extra security, Damian being more protective than usual, makes me wonder.”

Desi, Miya's personal assistant, who was sitting not far from them, finally spoke up. “Mrs. Miya, there's actually something that Mr. Damian is furious about. Someone he was keeping an eye on... escaped from his watch. That's why he's tightened the security in this mansion. But, please don't think too much about it. Just focus on you and your baby's health. That's the most important thing right now.”

Miya looked at Desi with widened eyes. “Someone escaped? Who?”

Desi smiled faintly, trying to calm things down. “I don't know the details, ma'am. But I'm sure Mr. Damian will handle everything well. You just need to trust him.”

Kayoko took Miya's hand and grasped it tightly. “Desi is right, Miya. Damian knows what he's doing. Besides, you're not alone. We're all here for you.”

Miya tried to smile, even though her anxiety wasn't completely gone. “Thank you, Kayoko. I just hope everything will be okay.”

That afternoon, Hera called Miya and Kayoko to the sitting room. The elegant woman sat gracefully in her chair, her face serious but not visibly tense. Kayoko entered first, followed by Miya who looked a little hesitant.

“I'd like to talk to you,” Hera said matter-of-factly.

Kayoko immediately sat next to her mother, while Miya chose the seat opposite. Hera let out a long breath before continuing.

“I've decided to stay here for a while,” Hera said. “I want to make sure everything goes well, especially for Miya.”

Kayoko immediately exclaimed happily. “That's a great idea, Mom! I've been hoping you'd spend more time here. It must make Damian happy.”

Miya looked at Hera gratefully. “Thank you, Mom. Your presence really means a lot to me.”

Hera smiled a little, but the look in her eyes was gentle. “I don't want Damian to lose focus just because he's too worried about you. So, consider this my way of helping.”

Kayoko patted her mother's hand encouragingly. “You know, right? I've always wanted you to be with us more often. Even back when you were cold towards me, I still hoped that one day we could be closer.”

Hera looked at her stepdaughter with an unpredictable expression. “Kayoko, I know I've never been a good stepmother to you. But I'm proud of your patience. You never gave up trying to get close to me, even though I often ignored you.”

Kayoko smiled broadly, her eyes slightly glazed over. “Because I know, behind Mom's cold attitude, Mom actually always cared about us. I can feel it.”

Hera pulled Kayoko into her arms, something that rarely happened between them. “You really are a wonderful child. Thank you for being patient with me.”

Miya who saw that moment felt warm in her heart. Although she didn't really understand the history of Hera and Kayoko's relationship, she could feel the sincerity between them. Kayoko then glanced at Miya and said, “Miya, come along. It's a warm family hug!”

Miya smiled shyly but did not refuse. She joined the embrace, feeling a warmth she had rarely encountered in her life. For a moment, all the tension she felt before disappeared.

After that moment, Hera and Kayoko sat on the veranda with Miya keeping them company. The cool afternoon breeze enveloped the atmosphere, making their conversation feel more relaxed.

“Mom, remember the first time I came to this house?” asked Kayoko with a chuckle. “You didn't want to talk to me at all.”

Hera nodded, smiling slightly. “I remember. I thought you'd just be an extra burden. I didn't know that you'd bring so much happiness to the family.”

Miya listened attentively, though she didn't say much. She was happy to see the close relationship between Hera and Kayoko, something she wished she could have with Damian as well.

“I'm lucky to have Mom,” Kayoko said sincerely. “If it weren't for you, I might not be who I am today.”

Hera took Kayoko's hand and held it tightly. “And I'm lucky to have a daughter like you.”

Miya smiled a little, feeling warm at their closeness. Kayoko glanced at Miya again and said, “Miya, if you feel awkward here, don't hesitate to talk to me or Mom. We'll always be there for you.”

Miya nodded slowly. “Thank you, Kayoko. I really feel welcome here.”

That night, the atmosphere of the mansion was quieter than this morning. The guards remained at their posts, but the tension in the house began to melt away. Hera, Kayoko, and Miya ate dinner together in a warm atmosphere.

Hera glanced at Miya who was eating her food slowly. “Miya, is there anything you want to eat? I can ask the chef to prepare it.”

Miya shook her head with a smile. “No need, ma'am. Everything is already very good. Thank you.”

Kayoko interrupted in a teasing tone. “Mom, don't spoil Miya too much. Damian will get jealous.”

Everyone laughed at that, including Miya whose cheeks were flushed. The warm atmosphere at the dinner table made Miya forget about her worries for a moment. She felt grateful to be part of this family.

However, in her heart, Miya still hoped that whatever problems Damian was facing, they would soon pass. She wanted Damian to smile again as usual, without the weight on his shoulders.

***

At Damian's Mansion, the Next Day

That morning, the atmosphere at Damian's mansion was calmer than the day before. However, there was still a bit of tension, especially for Miya. She sat in the dining room, sipping hot tea while thinking about what would happen today. Desi, her personal assistant, stood by the door, always alert at her side.

Hera entered the dining room with graceful steps, followed by Kayoko who looked cheerful as always. “Miya, today we're going shopping,” Hera said matter-of-factly, immediately taking the seat across from Miya.

Miya looked at Hera in surprise. “Shopping? I don't think that's necessary, ma'am.”

Hera smiled faintly, but there was firmness in her tone. “I've never bought anything for you, Miya. As Damian's wife and the future mother of my grandchildren, I should do something for you.”

Kayoko nodded in agreement. “That's right, Miya. Besides, I want to buy some things too. This will be fun!”

Miya looked doubtful. “But, Damian might not want me to leave the house too much. Especially with the current situation.”

Desi approached with a reassuring smile. “Mrs. Miya, I'm sure Mr. Damian won't mind if you go with Lady Hera and Miss Kayoko. Besides, the extra security will ensure everything is safe.”

Hera crossed her arms over her chest. “It's been decided. We will go. There's no reason to refuse.”

Miya finally nodded, though still feeling a little uncomfortable. Kayoko clapped her hands happily. “Good! Let's get ready.”

A few hours later, they arrived at a luxury mall in the city center. Damian's bodyguards kept their distance with great professionalism, ensuring their safety without being too conspicuous. Hera, who hadn't shopped in a long time, seemed to be enjoying herself immensely. She deftly led the way, entering the luxury boutiques with confidence.

“Miya, try this dress on,” Hera said, handing over an elegant pastel-colored long dress. “I think it will look lovely on you.”

Miya held the dress hesitantly. “Mom, I think it's too expensive.”

Hera raised her eyebrows. “Nothing is too expensive for Damian's wife. Go, try it on in the dressing room.”

Desi, standing behind Miya, patted her shoulder lightly. “Madam, you'd better obey. Lady Hera is very sincere in wanting to make you happy.”

Kayoko chuckled. “That's right, Miya. Don't let Mother down.”

A little shyly, Miya finally entered the dressing room. When she came out, the dress seemed to fit her body perfectly. Hera smiled with satisfaction, while Kayoko exclaimed, “See? I told you too, you'll look beautiful!”

Miya blushed. “Thank you, ma'am. But this is too much...”

Hera shook her head. “There's no such thing as too much for the Sawyer family. Don't feel guilty, Miya. Instead, take it well.”

Miya finally gave a small smile. “Well, thank you very much, ma'am.”

After shopping at a few boutiques, they decided to take a break at a fancy cafe on the top floor of the mall. Hera ordered green tea and some small cakes for them to enjoy together. Miya, who initially felt awkward, began to feel more comfortable.

Kayoko took a sip of her coffee as she said, “Miya, I'm really glad Mom finally decided to spend more time with us. In the past, Mom was very busy, and I often felt alone.”

Hera looked at Kayoko gently. “I know, Kayoko. I may never say it, but I always think about you. It's just that I'm not good at expressing it.”

Kayoko smiled widely. “I know, Mom. And I'm glad we finally got this close.”

Miya listened attentively to their conversation. She felt warm seeing the close relationship between Hera and Kayoko. Kayoko glanced at Miya and said, “Miya, you are now part of this family. Feel free to share anything with us.”

Desi, who was sitting near them, added, “Mrs. Miya, you are very lucky to have such a caring family.”

Miya gave a small smile. “Thank you, everyone. I really feel welcome here.”

Hera nodded proudly. “That's how anyone who becomes part of the Sawyer family should feel.”

Later that evening, after returning from the mall, Miya sat in the living room with Hera and Kayoko. They looked at the things they had bought throughout the day. Miya felt a little tired but very happy.

“Today was really fun,” Kayoko said as she stretched. “Mom, we should do this more often.”

Hera gave a small smile. “Of course, Kayoko. As long as I'm here, I'll make sure we have more time together.”

Miya looked at Hera with gratitude. “Mom, thank you for today. I really appreciate everything.”

Hera shook her head lightly. “No need to thank me, Miya. I'm doing this because I care about you. After all, you carry the Sawyer bloodline. That's a very precious thing to me.”

Desi, who was sorting out some grocery bags, smiled at their familiarity. “Mrs. Miya, you are truly surrounded by people who love you.”

Miya smiled softly. “I know, Desi. And I'm very grateful for that.”

That night, Damian's mansion was filled with an atmosphere of warmth and happiness, something that was rare amidst the tension that surrounded them lately.