Chapter 903
When Keira’s parents first passed away, she missed them so much it felt like self-inflicted torture. She clawed at her own skin until it bled, as if the physical pain could dull the ache of losing them. The saying, “longing cuts to the bone,” couldn’t be truer.
“She’s impossible—just like her father, stubborn as a mule,” Sasha muttered. Patience had never been her strong suit.
“Bring her here next weekend when she’s not at school,” Keira offered. “I like Nina.”
“Great, I’ll pay you babysitting fees.”
Keira gave her a faint smile. “My rates are very high, you know.”
They strolled around the courtyard, and Keira eventually led her to a tea table where they sat down. She started preparing tea, letting the tranquil act of brewing set the tone.
“Keira,” she suddenly said, her tone unusually serious. “You’re living such a peaceful and carefree life now.”
Around the fire, brewing tea—it wasn’t just about the drink itself. It was about savoring the taste, reflecting on life. This was the very essence of why Keira created this courtyard. And judging by her expression, Sasha had come to understand it.
“After everything I’ve been through, I finally know what I really want,” Keira said, handing her the freshly brewed tea.
As she placed the cup before her, she added, “You don’t lack money, Sasha. Don’t push yourself so hard.”
Sasha looked at her, and for a brief moment, her eyes glistened with unshed tears. Then, she laughed. “Keira, I finally understand why so many people like you.”
She tilted her head back, gazing at the sky above Keira’s courtyard. “All these years, the people closest to me only cared about how much money I could give them. Not once did anyone ask if I was okay, if I was tired.”
Emotions were funny that way—they could overwhelm you in an instant. Keira’s words must have hit a nerve because Sasha’s façade of strength cracked, and her grievances tumbled out. Keira knew she had endured a lot while with Thorsten—her patience, her compromises.
She didn’t try to console her. Sometimes, you just needed to let the sadness wash over you before you could move forward.
Chapter 903
Sure enough, after a short while, she wiped her tears away and smiled at Keira. “It’s all in the past now. From now on, I’ll live for myself.”
“What did you mean earlier about earning money from men?” Keira asked, genuinely curious.
“Ha! Still stuck on that?” She sniffed her tea. “Smells amazing.”
Keira stayed silent, waiting for her to explain.
“I’ve opened a luxury boutique for men,” she said with a cheeky grin. “You should bring your man to shop there sometime.”
Keira laughed. “Even when you’re being serious, the way you phrase things makes people think sideways.”
“Just say I’m shameless already,” she shot back, never one to shy away from blunt words.
Keira shrugged playfully. “If the shoe fits…”
She stuck her tongue out at her, and Keira couldn’t help but laugh. “Is it just you now, or are you back with that first love of yours?”
When Thorsten was investigated, that man was finally freed. What happened afterward, Keira wasn’t sure.
“Sort of,” she admitted, her expression subdued. “He’s changed his name to Yanni now. He doesn’t want anyone knowing about his past.”
That made sense. What he endured while being imprisoned by Thorsten was something only he truly understood. Changing his name was likely his way of wiping the slate clean, of starting fresh.
“Keira, I actually came here today because I need to talk to you about something,” Sasha said hesitantly.
The sudden shift in her tone made Keira raise an eyebrow. No one shows up without a reason, she thought. Here it comes.
“If you’re not ready to talk, don’t rush it,” Keira said casually, not wanting to pry or pressure her.
She chuckled softly. “I know you don’t like getting involved in messy affairs, but you’re the only person I trust right now. So, I have to tell you.”
Keira met her gaze, waiting for her to continue.