[7]

POV RITA

Maria sighed. My eyes fell on the tray of lunch that she had painstakingly made. I knew that Maria never complained about her job. It's just that food is a supply of energy for the body, isn't it? If it is ignored, how can the body carry out its usual activities?

“How?” asked Susi, one of the maids on the second floor. She was only in charge of serving the room with the large, elegantly carved door—my room. Everyone knows I don't want to be disturbed.

“She doesn't want to be touched at all. The mistress chose to sleep and I think she is already asleep in her dreams.”

Susi groaned in frustration. “Mrs. Rita could get even sicker, Maria. You know that, right?”

Maria nodded listlessly. ”Even to simply enjoy the fruit I have served, she doesn't want to. I don't know how to persuade Mrs. Rita anymore. I can't fool her for too long.”

Susi squeezed her hands. Her eyes stared at Maria with tears in them. “Mrs. Rita must feel very lost.”

Of course. Loss is so painful. Not only them, but me...

Maria patted Susi's shoulder slowly. “I'll leave this tray with you. Who knows, you might be able to persuade her. Talk to the lady but remember, never say anything about Mrs. Eva.”

Susi bowed her head even lower. ”Your job is getting harder, Maria. You know ... I'm like a heavyweight liar in front of Mrs. Rita. I can't stand the look in her eyes every time I talk about Mrs. Eva.”

I heard it all. They were talking behind my bedroom door. Eva's name was mentioned several times, then suddenly their voices weakened, or even disappeared altogether. It was replaced by the silence that always enveloped me.

Instantly, my eyes returned to the cup of green tea by the bed. Usually, I like to enjoy tea in my spare time, read the world encyclopedia, or just feel the breeze from the balcony. However, now everything has lost its meaning. I'm not lazy. I just feel that my body is getting weaker. My appetite is gone. Maria has served my favorite food many times, but still, I prefer to ignore it.

It's all because of Eva. Yes, because of my beloved daughter-in-law.

I remember the last time we talked. Her face was still fresh, her smile was still the same as always. But then, she disappeared. I asked, “I haven't seen Eva in a few days, Maria. Where is my daughter-in-law?”

Maria was silent for a moment before smiling and pouring a glass of water for me. “Mrs. Eva went on vacation with Mr. Rick, ma'am.”

“Really?” My heart warmed. It had been a long time since I had heard such good news. It had been a long time since I had seen them go away together. This rare moment should of course be celebrated, right?

“I hope Eva gets pregnant soon. This time I'm sure God is being kind to me.”

“Yes, ma'am. That's why you also have to pay attention to your health. The supplements I give you every day, don't always end up by the sink.”

I laughed softly. “You really pay attention to me, Maria.”

But behind that smile, I sensed something was wrong. Why were they all so awkward when talking about Eva? Why did their gaze seem to hold secrets they didn't want to reveal?

I could still feel the warmth of her grip. So tight, as if she didn't want to let go. But in reality, I could now only grasp emptiness.

Maria smiled, but I knew that smile was hiding something. “I'm glad you're getting healthier every day, ma'am. I know, I'm being presumptuous to talk like this, but it's true what Mrs. Evangeline said; we can all mourn death, but life must go on.”

I nodded slowly. “Evangeline is that sincere. Even though besides me, she was also the most devastated by Sebastian's departure.”

Maria nodded in agreement. ‘Evangeline considered Sebastian to be her father's replacement.”

My smile grew wider, but my heart was still filled with worry. ’Tell me how their relationship develops, Maria.”

“Yes, ma'am.”

I thought Evangeline had really gone on a trip with Roderick. However, I was surprised to find my son back without his daughter-in-law.

“Where is Evangeline, Roderick?”

My son, who had just entered the living room, just shrugged, making my chest even tighter.

“Roderick?” I stared at him in amazement. ”Maria said you were on vacation together? Is Evangeline still there? Why did you leave her alone? It's dangerous, Roderick. It's not good to—”

“She's not my business anymore, Mom,” he replied with a tone as cold as winter. The look in his eyes also seemed to dislike it when Evangeline's name was heard. ‘And she's not Mommy's business anymore either.”

My forehead furrowed even more. ’What do you mean, son?”

Instead of answering, Roderick just left me. I was getting more and more angry with his behavior. Something was wrong here. However, I didn't find honesty except for the gossip that immediately disappeared as soon as I approached. As if they were united in covering up something related to Evangeline.

“Madam.” The sound of a knock shattered all my reverie. Susi, the maid who takes care of all my needs, entered with the tray that Maria had brought earlier. “Lunch first, yes. I've reheated the soup. I hear that calcium in beef bones is good for your health.”

I'm not a child who has to accept information like this. ”What were you talking about at my door?”

Susi was silent, her face pale. I didn't expect to see that I wasn't asleep. “Nothing, ma'am.”

“Is it related to Evangeline?”

The maid was holding the tray tightly. Her eyes darted everywhere to avoid making eye contact with me. Susi wasn't good at lying.

“Answer me, Susi.”

“B-but, ma'am...”

I pulled back the covers. I didn't need help even though I was a little weak, I tried to sit on the edge of the bed. I accepted Susi's help before the food was finally presented in front of me. The savory aroma of rib soup with slices of tomato and carrot was appetizing, but... I wanted an answer.

“Are you thinking of an answer for me, Susi?”

Susi was getting more and more nervous.

“I won't scold anyone who tries to cover up. I just want to know where my daughter-in-law is. Going on vacation for a whole month is possible, but it feels strange that my son came back alone. Without his wife.” I took a little bite of the soup. ”Before I lose my patience, Susi. Answer my question now; where is Evangeline?”