For a moment she even forgot Martha was with her and when she felt Martha placing her hand on her shoulder, Amara flinched.
"Almost forgot you were here." Amara laughed. Martha smiled back, looking down at her with a warmth. Her brown eyes squinting playfully stroking Amara’s caramel long hair twisting them in a braid.
“Of course you did, the flowers took all your interest away.” Amara nodded turning back to look at the flowers while Martha rolled the braid in low bun. Grabbing few flowers, she placed them in her hair, admiring the softness.
Martha viewed Amara as her own child even though they were just ten years apart. She reminded her of her daughter,Mira.
Amara excitedly glanced with awe.
There were roses and sunflowers and then a large section of the garden was covered in peonies. She wondered if Kaelith specifically planted them for her to see. The thought vanished as soon as it came. Why would he plant them for her? And even if he did, there was no way the plants would grow in just three days.
Amara laughed at her silliness.
“They’re beautiful. Who takes care of them?” She looked up at Martha.
“I do.”
“You do?” Amara’s eyes widened in astonishment.“You have so much work. I feel back for you.” She pouted feeling bad for Martha.
“You don’t have to. Mr. Luca pays me well.” Martha wiggled her brows.
“He is kind.” Martha did not reply. She didn’t want to say Kaelith was kind he was the opposite. But ever since Amara came here, Martha saw a change in him. His face glowed, eyes sparkled. Even the way he talked to Amara was shocking to the staff. His gentle voice and kind gestures were something people around him were not used to. If anything, Kaelith was known to be a merciless and violent man.
There were many times when Martha saw him coming back home covered in blood, not his but someone else’ s. At one time she was fed up with throwing away his bloodied shirts. Martha wondered if Amara knew Kaelith had a full armory hidden behind his closet door, that he cleaned once in a while. No one was allowed in his room except Martha. And even Martha was not aware of the reason.
Was it because she had been working for more than twenty years? It could be. But Martha wasn’t sure.
"It’s perfect weather for a picnic." Amara sighed dreamily. The sun was shining brightly in a clear, blue sky. There was a gentle, warm breeze that rustled the leaves on the trees and made the air feel just right. The temperature was comfortably mild, not too hot and not too cold.
“We can arrange that.” Amara snapped her head at Martha eyes wide. She shook her hand in a panicked way.
“No! No! I was just saying,” Before Amara could complete, Martha was already sprinting to the door.
“Don’t worry! I’ll be back in ten minutes!” Amara sighed. Here she was, being a burden on people around her. Shehoped Martha didn’t spend too much of her energy. She already had so much to do. Even if Kaelith was paying her well, there was only a certain limit her body could accommodate.
Amara sighed, bathing in the sunlight waiting for Martha.
CHAPTER 8
“It’s delicious,” Amara mumbled with her mouth stuffed with cheese sandwiches. The mayonnaise smeared on her lips as she moaned in bliss.
Martha smiled at her adorable reaction. She couldn't help but join in on the indulgence, grabbing a sandwich of her own and taking a bite. Though the sandwiches Martha made were simple— cheeses and grated veggies, but as Amara munched like a child, Martha was happy just by watching her eat. There was something about Amara that pulled Martha to her. Like a child, innocent and naive, who would look for happiness in little-little things. It had been only few days but Martha found herself drawing to her beauty and kindness. Perhaps it was the way Amara's eyes sparkled when she smiled, or the warmth in her voice when she spoke.
Her smile broader when Amara went for another sandwich.
“Wow, they’re amazing!” Amara eyed the sandwiches as it was the last meal she was going to have. Martha was happy she made plenty to feed her. As she watched Amara devour the sandwiches, Martha couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment.
When Amara was done with most of the food smeared on her lips and jaw, Martha helped her clean and handed her a freshly squeezed orange juice.“Here, drink.” Amara happilysipped on the juice grabbing the glass with both of her hands. Her eyes sparkled with delight.
It was only eleven in the morning, and Martha was almost done with her work. So, this relaxing hour was like bliss for her. She casually leaned back on her hands looking up at the sky. Amara followed her gaze and a faint smile danced on her rosy lips. The warm sun bathed them in its golden light, casting a gentle glow on their faces.
Neither of them said anything, just surrounded by sheer tranquility and warmth. And then a thought crossed Amara’s mind. Rafael.
Her smile instantly dropped. She wondered how he was doing. The weather air felt cold, and the tangy flavor of juice turned bitter. She hadn’t heard from him ever since he left her. And neither he visited her. He promised he’d visit her, then why was he here? Did he not care for her? She was his wife, but why did she feel as if she wasn’t anything to him anymore. The thoughts churned in Amara's mind, causing a heaviness in her chest.
It was absurd on her part to even this way, but she couldn’t help.
Martha noticed her sullen face.
