She's Unaware

THE following day, Zoe awoke early to prepare breakfast. She was aware that Nana Milky was present, but she insisted on completing the task on her own.

“Have you seen Helios, Nana?” she inquired as she prepared to cut the white onions.

Nana greeted her with a smile. “He departed at the crack of dawn. H he will be on a week-long business trip.”

Zoe paused in her onion cutting and looked at Nana, baffled. She spent the entire day yesterday with Helios. As she was afraid to leave the house—prior to what happened recently—she chose to play board games after discovering a chessboard in the living room.

How come Helios failed to inform her?

“Didn’t he inform you?”

Zoe sighed and gave a faint smile. She examined the onions that had been chopped. “No. Hmm... well, it’s his business,” she replied, her voice a little somber.

Nana Milky approached her and took her hand in hers. “I’m certain he’ll call. Helios is always this way when he embarks on a journey.”

Zoe pursed her lips and gave a slight nod.

‘Why am I behaving as if we commit?’

Zoe sighed. “Thank you, Nana. There is no cause for concern. It is not as if we are in a—”

“Relationship?” Nana abruptly cut off, causing Zoe’s eyes to widen, and she felt a little surprised.

“Nana…”

The elderly woman smiled at her. “I recognize genuine affection when I see it.”

“It’s not what you think, N-Nana.” Zoe felt slightly embarrassed because she was certain the elderly woman was aware that she had already had sex with Helios. However, it never occurs to her that she might like him.

She was attracted differently, not liking him, and eventually fell into love.

“Helios is someone I’ve known for a very long time. Two years ago, he began to like a girl—more accurately. He became obsessed with her. I discovered the name one day, and it was yours.”

Zoe was so taken aback by the revelation that she was speechless.

She shook her head and locked her gaze on Nana Milky’s.

“Nana...” she said as she let go of the knife and wiped her hands on her apron. She pressed her hands into Nana’s as she continued, “—Helios was my first. Even I, I swear, have been puzzled by what has occurred in my life since that night.”

Nana smiled once more, causing Zoe to feel a little uneasy.

“I am aware. Things moved quickly between you two, but you don’t know Helios, so I’ll say that I’m proud of his decision this time,” the old lady said as if she were conveying a profound message.

Zoe squinted. “Nana, perhaps these,” she shifted her gaze around before returning her gaze to Nana, “—these will be only temporary. And I’m confident that Helios will eventually decide to release me—”

“You’re already sold to him, Zoe. Helios is someone I am familiar with. But promise me one thing…” the old woman sighed, “—trust him.”

Zoe’s brow furrowed slightly as if mystified. There’s something in Nana that she couldn’t figure out. “Certainly, Nana. Helios rescued me from the clutches of his father. I’m familiar with his father. That elderly gentleman was the one who assassinated the estate’s most prominent member—”

Nana shook her head in disbelief. “Ignore Don Lincoln. Simply put, your trust in Helios. And please hurry. You’re going to be late if we continue this drama,” she said softly, to which Zoe responded with a soft chuckle.

Zoe shook her head and released her grip on Nana’s hands. “I… “I’m a little bit—”

“Moved?”

Zoe chuckled and nodded.

“Well, then, continue making breakfast, and oh, don’t forget to give me a taste. I’ll just begin cleaning Helios’s room,” Nana said as she walked away, smiling at her.

Zoe sighed as she continued her work.

‘What just happened earlier?’ She thought.

She smiled and shook her head as her thoughts drifted back to yesterday. On the other hand, Helios insisted that she sleep in his room, but she declined.

Zoe was well aware that sleeping with a man was a bad idea and that it was a temptation. And cursed her because she was unable to help herself. As a result, it is advisable to avoid Helios.

Furthermore, she had not yet graduated.

She busied herself with cooking and preparations before joining Nana Milky for breakfast. Afterward, she then went upstairs to prepare for school.

Since she left her home, she has been aware that she is missing someone. Iris. Her mother.

If God can forgive sinners, why can’t she?

Zoe and her mother owe Helios money. He pays for everything and even ensures her mother’s survival.

She was well aware that their association with Don Lincoln would jeopardize their lives, and the only person in whom they could place their trust was Helios.

However, doubts lingered in Zoe’s mind.

She was still unsure whether Helios was a gentle soul or if he was also like his father.

‘Damn. How could I even consider such a thing?’ she thought before going down the stairs.

“Nana…”

Nana drew closer to her as she approached the main entrance.

“Don’t you think they’ll get a lot of attention? You knew I was known to be a commoner—a lady with no penny. Do you believe they will not criticize me for this?” Zoe inquired, her gaze falling on the two men dressed in suits resembling those worn by presidents’ bodyguards in films, commonly referred to as men-in-black.

Nana chuckled softly. “Oh dear, do not be alarmed. You’re going to be fine. Helios had already given them the order. Therefore, please make an effort to be at ease with them. And who knows what will happen when Helios marries you—”

“Nana... he was joking. Believe it not.”

The elderly lady gave a soft chuckle. “I’ve known Helios. He is incapable of cracking nor exerting a jest,” she stated.

Zoe inhaled deeply and sighed. She was about to walk when she caught sight of her dress’s hem. “And, Nana, why am I required to wear this type of clothing?”

Nana burst out laughing once more. “I’m sure you’re skilled at whining, dear. It is Helios’s will,” she said, turning to the man at her side and adding, “Take care of her.”

“Nana…”

“Have a pleasant day, Zoe. Additionally, check your phone,” Nana Milky emphasized.

‘Great! Yeah, the phone. I never had one in my entire life, not until yesterday morning. Where Helios handed me his spare phone because I didn’t want him to buy me a new one.’ Zoe let out a sigh. ‘I never imagined that Zoe, who lives on a narrow street in a wooden-walled apartment surrounded by stinking sewage, could wear such fancy clothes and even be treated like a princess while living with her prince charming.’