Chapter 5 Thinking Differently

- Sabira’s POV -

In my dazed state, I could faintly hear a conversation between Earwyn and the elder Sewards. They were not criticizing me like they did in my first few days here; instead, they blamed him.

"Earwyn, do you know what you are doing? She is still too young to handle so much pressure," Mrs. Seward said anxiously.

"I just want her to get stronger quickly," Earwyn replied.

"But not this way. You must understand that Sabira needs time and care, not just pressure and endless expectations," Mr. Seward added with pity in his voice.

It turned out that during my days at the Seward house, they clearly saw my condition and noticed all my efforts. They gradually came to sympathize with me, though they did not show too much affection. As for me, I remained wary of physical contact with everyone. An invisible wall still stood between us because they viewed me as a trial niece, raised to become Earwyn's capable assistant. Meanwhile, I relied on them as a stepping stone to escape poverty.

Perhaps thanks to this high fever, I was finally able to recognize their true feelings. For the first time, I felt the real meaning of family affection.

Earwyn spoke up again: "Doctor, how is Sabira doing?"

The familiar voice of the private doctor sounded: "The young lady has a high fever caused by exhaustion and stress. She needs rest and further monitoring, but there is no immediate danger."

I heard Earwyn sigh in relief, then felt the mattress sink beside me. It seemed he was sitting right next to me.

"Sabira, you must get well quickly."

Throughout that time, I clearly felt every gentle gesture from Earwyn. My heart fluttered whenever he softly placed a wet towel on my forehead, stroked my hair, and spoke gentle words of encouragement. Whenever I opened my eyes, his face was always the first thing I faintly saw. I had never been cared for so meticulously before. Powerful feelings, unlike anything I had ever known, welled up inside me.

"You must recover soon. There are so many things we need to do together."

Do together. That was right; there were still so many things I had to do. From now on, I had plenty of people by my side who cared about me. I no longer had to be fiercely independent or force myself to act strong. I wanted to lean on Earwyn, just like that feeling when he first draped his soft, fresh-scented jacket over me at the street corner.

Time passed day by day, and now I had been part of the Seward family for over two years. Glancing at the clock, I quickly gathered my things off the table into my bag and walked downstairs. My appearance now was no different from a young lady raised in nobility from a young age. An elegant, form-fitting dress highlighted my slender figure, my long hair fell naturally over my shoulders, and my steps were soft and graceful.

Mr. Seward sat at the head of the table holding a newspaper, offering a gentle smile when he saw me come down. Mrs. Seward sat beside him, softly waving her hand to signal for me to sit next to her.

"Good morning grandfather, grandmother, everyone," I spoke first.

"Good morning, Sabira. Did you sleep well?"

"I slept very well."

"Sabira, what would you like to eat today? I will have the kitchen prepare it for you."

"Grandmother, I am fine with anything. I am not a picky eater."

Ever since that high fever, I had gradually opened my heart to everyone, no longer keeping my guard up as before. I began taking the initiative to help around the house.

Every morning, I went down to the kitchen to cook soup for the elder Sewards. My cooking skills had been refined since childhood through the drinking meals of my mother and stepfather.

In the evening after dinner, I always took time to massage Mrs. Seward's legs and arms. Even though they never asked me to, I insisted on doing it because I truly respected them and hoped for family warmth. People could say I was trying to win their favor, as long as I knew I treated them with the utmost sincerity.

I chatted and laughed happily with the elder Sewards, but my eyes frequently stole glances at the empty chair where Earwyn usually sat. Every time I looked at that spot, an indescribable feeling rose within my heart, a emotion difficult to put into words. Still, I always tried to suppress it because I understood that if it were exposed, it would look as if I were taking advantage of his kindness, making him grow to dislike me. My heart beat fast whenever he appeared, yet I always maintained my distance, never showing any sign of my true feelings.

Recently, I noticed that he often skipped breakfast, which made me feel worried. Every time I prepared breakfast for the elder Sewards, I subconsciously searched for reasons behind his absence.

Perhaps noticing me staring at Earwyn's chair, Mrs. Seward said: "Earwyn has been so busy lately, often skipping breakfast. Do you know why?"

I smiled softly and shook my head: "I am not quite sure either. Perhaps he just has too much work."

Mr. Seward folded his newspaper and said: "I heard the group partnering for raw materials this time is not entirely clean."

I frowned. Earwyn had shown me a few company documents before, but those were only small projects meant to teach me how to judge and make proper decisions. This matter was probably quite big, which was why I knew nothing about it.

"Knowing his personality, it will be hard for them to do business around here," I whispered.

Mrs. Seward sighed: "Work is indeed important, but health should not be ignored either. If you get the chance, try encouraging Earwyn to take better care of himself."

"Yes," I nodded, telling myself I would find a subtle way to show him I cared. Looking at that empty chair, the hollow feeling in my heart grew larger.

When break time arrived at school, I still remembered the conversation with the elder Sewards from this morning, so I called Earwyn's private secretary.

"I am listening, young lady."

"Are you busy with anything right now?"

"No, young lady."

I quickly asked about the matter Mr. Seward mentioned earlier. The secretary promptly confirmed it and said:

"CEO Seward has rejected the partnership and sent out a widespread notice across the industry stating that we will not cooperate with anyone involved in this affair."

I hung up. As expected, Earwyn showed no mercy to anyone. He could be exceptionally kind when helping a stranger, yet remarkably firm like a shield protecting his family's enterprise.

By the time I finished my work, night had fallen. I stretched my arms and looked down at the swimming pool below, suddenly feeling like going for a swim. No sooner thought than done. I changed into a sleek one-piece swimsuit and walked downstairs.

The water temperature here was always adjusted to an ideal level. I stretched my body, loosened my waist, completed a few warm-up exercises, and dove into the pool. I did not notice that a pair of eyes was quietly watching me from above.