Chapter 4 Nurturing Oneself Into A Different Person

- Sabira’s POV -

I clenched my fists, remembering the days I spent being cared for in the VIP hospital room, recalling every scene of luxury here, and thinking about our fifteen-year agreement. This was completely a major step forward. Even if I would not have my freedom in the future, I would no longer have to worry about food or clothes. Not to mention, I would be able to find my mother.

I took a deep breath: "Alright, I agree to your terms."

Earwyn curled his lips in satisfaction: "Very good!"

After that, everything happened very quickly. The elder Sewards were not welcoming, even remaining extremely distant and wary of me, a complete stranger who had suddenly entered their home. I did not blame them because I was not comfortable either. So every time we met, I lowered my head and tried to minimize my presence as much as possible. Whenever I could, I ate separately so the elders would not feel uncomfortable.

Earwyn did not ask me to change my last name, requiring only that I carry the noble and sharp demeanor of the Seward family. First, he hired tutors to teach me the unwritten rules of a wealthy family, ranging from dining etiquette to how to walk and sit.

"You must remember that every gesture and action of yours reflects the honor of the Seward family."

Whenever I made a mistake, Earwyn would order the instructor to tap my hands and legs with a ruler. Those strikes were by no means light, leaving red marks on my delicate skin as a reminder to deeply engrave the mistake and never repeat it. Yet afterward, Earwyn would always quietly bring back scar-healing ointments. At times, a hint of worry would show in his eyes, only to quickly vanish as if he barely cared.

I did not dare to breathe heavily, standing still as Earwyn applied the medicine for me. The cooling sensation made my shoulders relax, but his next piece of advice made me stand up straight once again.

"You must remember that today's pain will help you become stronger tomorrow."

At first, I resisted and tried to pull my hand back: "I can do it myself."

However, Earwyn looked at me with a cold and stern gaze that made me lose the courage to say anything more. I kept both hands still in the air so he could carefully apply the ointment over my injuries. Then he placed another jar of cream on the table.

"This is for skin care. Do not let anyone see a Seward niece with such rough hands."

"Yes."

I quickly bowed my head, seeing Earwyn off as he left the room.

Sensing that touch of gentleness made my heart tremble. I could not reject Earwyn's care. At the time, I simply thought I was trembling under the pressure he brought.

Not stopping at outward presence, Earwyn further cultivated my skills in the arts, starting with violin and martial arts training. My stiff fingers and body had a hard time slowly getting used to them. Whenever I took a break, he would unexpectedly appear behind me.

"Are you planning to give up already?" He looked at me with sharp eyes, his voice carrying a touch of mockery: "Or do you want to abandon the search for your mother just to enjoy your own comfort?"

Feeling hurt, tears welled up in my eyes, though I did not dare let them fall. "I will not give up." I was going to do everything to find my mother.

He nodded: "Good! Remember that. I do not raise useless people."

I stood up, adjusted my martial arts uniform, and continued training. Earwyn stood off to the side, continuing to observe. In a brief moment, I saw him leave, thinking he probably had business to handle. But he returned very quickly, dressed in a martial arts uniform and walking straight onto the mat.

His sharp eyes swept across every single one of my moves, scaring me so much that I nearly forgot all my forms. Then he signaled for the instructor to stop before issuing an order to me:

"Spar with me."

I tried to stop myself from backing away, quickly fixing my disheveled uniform. After the respectful bow, I assumed a defensive stance even as my heart trembled in fear before Earwyn's powerful aura. He stayed silent, waiting for me to take the initiative and attack first.

I took a deep breath and charged toward him, but all my moves were easily neutralized by him. My punches were not fast enough to touch him, making it feel like I was simply trying to punch the air.

Suddenly, Earwyn closed the distance. His dangerous breath almost brushed against my skin, terrifying me. A familiar feeling of fear from the times I was abused by my stepfather suddenly resurfaced, causing my body to give up instantly and letting him lift me up into the air.

I closed my eyes, waiting for the pain of being thrown hard onto the floor. Instead, I felt the warmth of his arms. He sighed, carefully putting me down to ensure I was not hurt. Right after that, he barked:

"Kneel down."

My body automatically obeyed his command, taking the initiative to turn my back to him.

"Butler, bring the whip."

I clenched my fists tightly, though my back stood even straighter.

"Sabira, do you know how you just failed me and wasted the time your martial arts instructor spent teaching you?"

I answered obediently: "Yes, I know."

Earwyn's voice continued behind my back, placing thousands of heavy rocks upon my shoulders: "Your movements are accurate, but they lack force. In a real fight, you lack precision. Most importantly, you let fear control you once again. This single lash is to remind you that in a match, you must be strong and decisive."

I bit my lip and received the leather whip striking down on my back, without letting out a single complaint. Each time the whip landed on my body was another time I left the past behind, letting go of the fear regarding my stepfather. I did not judge Earwyn's method of teaching. On the contrary, I needed it.

"I... I am sorry... I will... try harder..."

Earwyn's voice softened slightly: "Alright, but remember that strength is not just about physical power. It is about overcoming the deepest fears inside your heart. Do not let everything you learned go to waste."

Day after day, I had to learn so many things, striving to become useful in the eyes of Earwyn and the Seward family. Only then did they completely withdraw my old records, replacing them with a new identity under the Seward family, while also transferring me to a prestigious high school.

One afternoon after class, Earwyn personally came to pick me up and take me home. Every time he took the initiative like this, it meant he had an important task to entrust to me.

"You know this is your final year preparing for the university entrance exam, right?"

"Yes, I am fully aware."

He handed me a cup of boba milk tea that was popular among young people recently.

"I need you to get into H University."

That was the top university that constantly received glowing praise, and it was also a place with an extremely competitive admission rate.

He continued: "You have enough capability. But you understand that what I need is more than enough."

My eyes focused on the road ahead. The two straight lanes mirrored the determination in my heart. "I will do my best."

"Do not disappoint me."

I buried myself in studying, realizing this was not just about fulfilling Earwyn's expectations, but also a chance for me to escape my past. Every day, I worked hard at my studies while continuously improving my strength. Until one day, I successfully knocked him down to the ground. He turned and tried to sweep my legs, but I nimbly dodged it.

"Not bad at all."

I caught a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes.

I let out a weak smile, breathing heavily after the match: "Thank you, uncle. I have..."

Before I could finish my sentence, everything went black before my eyes. All I could hear near my ear was Earwyn calling my name in a panic.