Chapter 439: Felt Sorry for Her

Hayley’s POV:

She clasped my hand firmly, her tone low and pleading as she spoke, “I need you to act as my sister.”

For a moment, her words left me stunned, unable to respond.

“I know I’m asking for a lot,” she continued, her voice filled with urgency. “But I swear you won’t be doing this for nothing. All I’m asking is for you to visit her a couple of times a week, spend some time with her—it’ll mean the world to her.”

“As for compensation, just say the word. As long as it’s reasonable, I’ll make it happen.”

“And if you need protection, I can arrange for a Beta-level bodyguard,” she offered, her voice more businesslike now. “It could be useful for your work as Harmony.”

The suggestion made me chuckle internally. As an alpha, I didn’t have any need for a bodyguard. Still, I kept my other identity under wraps—it wasn’t something I planned on sharing.

But as I thought about Virginia’s broken state that day, an unfamiliar ache settled in my chest. I felt sorry for her. I couldn’t shake the memory of her desperation. Perhaps, in some way, I saw a reflection of my own struggles in her.

After a moment’s consideration, I finally nodded. “Alright. I’ll do it, but I won’t accept any payment. I’ll visit her and try to keep her company.”

Relief swept across Freya’s face, and she enveloped me in a warm embrace. “Thank you, Ms. Carson. This means so much to me.”

The car began to move again, the familiar hum of the engine filling the silence as we made our way to the Sanders estate. When we reached the sprawling gates of their mansion, the driver brought the car to a stop.

Stepping out, I found myself staring at the grand, imposing structure ahead, uncertainty swirling in my mind.

“Ms. Carson, please follow me,” Winifred, the butler, said with a polite gesture.

Freya gave my shoulder a light pat and smiled. “Thank you again for agreeing to this.”

I followed Winifred through the luxurious mansion. She led me through the grand hall, past the opulent decor, and into the quiet serenity of the back courtyard. Eventually, we stopped in front of a smaller house tucked away at the edge of a garden.

“Please wait here, Ms. Carson,” Winifred said as she opened the door. “I’ll go fetch Mrs. Sander.”

Left alone for a moment, I took in my surroundings. Despite its seclusion, this part of the estate felt peaceful, almost intimate. The vibrant flowers and the soft…

Soon, Winifred returned, her voice breaking the stillness. “Ms. Carson, you may come inside now.”

I stepped into the house and was immediately taken aback. A small chapel occupied the center of the room, and kneeling in prayer was Virginia, her hands clasped tightly together.

“Mrs. Sander, Ms. Carson is here,” Winifred announced softly.

Virginia turned abruptly, her eyes lighting up as they fell on me. Her face broke into a radiant smile, and without hesitation, she rushed toward me, pulling me into a tight embrace.

“Michelle, you’re back! I’ve missed you so much!”

Her sudden affection left me frozen in place, my mind scrambling to process her words. Deep down, I felt that her love wasn’t truly meant for me. A pang of guilt, knowing…

But remembering my promise to Freya, I forced myself to remain still, allowing her to hold me.

“Michelle, let me take a good look at you,” she said, stepping back just enough to examine me closely. “You’ve lost weight. Have you been eating properly?”

Her concern felt genuine, and for a moment, I saw no trace of the instability Freya had mentioned. She seemed so composed, her gaze steady and warm.

“You need to tell me what you like to eat. I’ll make it for you myself,” she said, her tone filled with maternal care. “Young people these days are always dieting, cutting out this and that. But Michelle, you don’t need to worry about any of that. You’re perfect just as you are.”

Her words, so tender and full of affection, made my chest tighten. I wanted to cry. Growing up with my grandparents, I had never known what it felt like to have a mother’s love. But here, in this moment, I felt a semblance of the care I had always yearned for.

“I’m not hungry,” I murmured, my voice shaky.

Virginia’s smile only deepened. “That’s alright, sweetheart. When you do feel hungry, just let me know, and I’ll cook something special for you.”

I nodded, unable to speak further. Her grip on me remained firm, as though she feared I might vanish if she let go. Her soft gaze landed on me, enveloping me in warmth. I wondered if my mother would look at me with such gentle eyes if she were around.

“Michelle, have you been doing well all these years?” Virginia suddenly asked, her eyes glistening with tears, with a hint of sadness in her voice.

I quickly responded, “I’m fine. Please don’t worry about me.”

Relief washed over her face. “That’s good. That’s all I need to hear.”

Taking my hand, she smiled again, her eyes brimming with emotion. “Come, there’s something I want to show you.”

Hesitant, I followed her, curious about what lay ahead.