Heirs, 11

(POV: Renata)

Lina enters the room with clothes in hand, wearing a gentle yet sad expression. I wonder why?

"Here, Lena" she extends a piece of clothing to me, "There's a nightgown for you to wear tonight. A pair of jeans, and a black tank top to change into tomorrow, so we can talk more comfortab when you're well rested."

"Thank you, ma'am," I take the clothes from her hands and give a slight smile. Her eyes widen slight, but before I can ask anything, she composes herself.

My smile quick fades as my stomach makes a loud, embarrassing noise, signaling that I haven't eaten in a long time. I sense my cheeks flush.

"Please, only call me Lina," she requests, and I nod, agreeing, "When you're done with your bath. I'll bring you a delicious meal," she winks at me.

"Thank you, and I apologize for the inconvenience of having to shelter a stranger in your home. I promise not to be too much trouble," I speak, trying to sound as genuine as possible. I place the clothes she brought on the bed.

"Don't worry about that, dear," she says and walks toward the door, but before leaving, she looks into my eyes. "You're welcome here; you can stay as long as you need. You're under my protection, and even though I bare know you. I've taken a liking to you," she says, and I once again feign a friendly smile. "There are all the essentials you need in the bathroom-clean towels, a new toothbrush, soap, shampoo, and conditioner in the cabinet. Make yourself at home,"

She gives me a half-smile and leaves the room.

I sit on a chair and observe the room. It's enormous and very beautiful, all in beige with a glass window and a built-in couch without a backrest. There's a brown door in front of the bed, which I assume is the bathroom. I head over there and start to remove my dirty, torn clothes. As I survey the bathroom, I'm left speechless. It's all white with a one-person bathtub. A double showerhead in the spacious shower enclosure, a marble sink with a mirror above it. Is everything in this house so grand?

I toss my old clothes into the bathroom's trash can and look at myself in the mirror. My face is red and scratched, the skin on my arms is injured-I look pretty beat up. But I also still have bruises all over my body from the mountain climbing.

I place the nightgown on the toilet seat and step into the shower, turning on the water for a long and indulgent shower. The hot water helps relax my muscles, and the hygiene products smell lovely. When I finish, I step out of the shower and grab a plush towel hanging next to it, drying myself off and then putting on the nightgown. I don't like going without underwear, but it seems I'll have to tonight. It looks like Lina forgot about that detail. I hope there are no insects here.

I find a wide-toothed comb inside the cabinet and start combing my hair. I don't want to go to sleep without brushing it and letting it tangle. I remember my dear mother; I hope she's okay without me. But focus, Rê! Remember that you're here with one purpose: to help my mother in her revenge against this family of monsters who destroyed my grandparents. Despite how nice they've been to me, even though they don't know who I am, I can't be swayed by their hospitality. I know what they're capable of, and I'm here to make them pay, and pay dear!

And speaking of hospitality, I remember the man who helped me on the mountain. He's so handsome, those hypnotizing blue eyes. I thought I was only infatuated because he was the first and only man I'd ever seen in my life, but no. I didn't feel anything like what I felt for him when I looked at the boys who helped me, and certain not with their father.

Deniel stirred something inside me, and I can't identify this feeling that surges within me. He's a complete stranger... a handsome stranger. I sigh and shake my head to chase away these thoughts. I can't deviate from my main focus, and I don't even know if I'll see him again.

I leave everything as I found it, and as I exit the bathroom, I come face to face with Lina sitting on the bed. Staring into nothingness, with a tray of fruits, bread, and juice beside her.

"Hi," I call her attention, "I've organized the bathroom with my things, so you don't have to worry about cleaning. I can take care of cleaning up after myself."

"Thank you for everything, Mrs. Lina," she grimaces.

"Only Lina, as we agreed," she says calm.

"Lina," I say, and she smiles approving, "You and your family have been angels to me. I have no words to thank you, and I'll never be able to repay you," Renata, you're so fake, my conscience screams.

"There's nothing to thank me for; only get some rest," she advises and leaves me alone in the room again.

I go to the bed and sit in front of the tray. Without further ado, I attack the rolls, devouring everything quick; it's all delicious. After brushing my teeth, I lie down in bed and let out a sigh of appreciation. The bed is so soft and fragrant. Thinking of my mother, I fall asleep.