The mansion was alive with music, laughter, and elegant chatter. Nobles and guests from across the kingdom filled the grand ballroom, their ornate clothes shimmering beneath the chandelier's light. But amidst the celebration, three girls stood near the edge of the crowd—Nathaira, Fyra, and Sora —watching the swirl of festivities with distracted minds.
Frya and Sora weren't in the mood for drama tonight. Their mother's warning echoed in their minds—"You've never disappointed me. Don't start now." For once, they had no plans to taunt or humiliate Nora. Instead, they kept a watchful eye on her, silently hoping she'd avoid any trouble.
Nora, unaware of their change of heart, was standing by one of the windows with Asher. The little boy looked tired, his small frame barely holding up against the long day. She leaned down gently. "You look exhausted, Ash. Go sit for a while."
Asher nodded and walked away quietly, making his way to a less crowded part of the room. As he sat down, he whispered to himself, "How am I going to tell Nora… that I'm going to die soon? I don't have much time left. But at least I can be with her for a little while longer…"
Zayan, who had been walking past, caught sight of the boy and the flicker of pain on his face. He raised an eyebrow and sat beside him. "What do you mean you're going to die, little one?"
Startled, Asher looked up at the man. He hesitated, then let out a quiet sigh. "A few weeks ago… I passed out. I was in the hospital. Nana almost called Nora, but I stopped her. The doctor said I have… something bad. I didn't want Nora to worry. She's been taking care of me since I was a baby."
Asher let out a soft, broken laugh. "She's always been there for me."
Zayan looked at the boy, a pang of sympathy striking him deep. "What's your name?"
"Asher. And you, mister?"
"Zayan. I own this mansion."
Asher's eyes widened. "I… I'm sorry, sir." He quickly bowed his head. "You're Zayan Kai "
Zayan chuckled. "Yes, I am."
Asher's expression shifted from fear to curiosity. "Is there a way out for me? I think she really loves you… like a mother. She's all I have."
Zayan's eyes softened. "Have you gone back to the hospital since?"
Asher shook his head. "No. The orphanage doesn't have the money. And… I don't think Nora does either. So I didn't go back."
Zayan took a breath and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Listen. How about I come to the orphanage tomorrow and take you for a check-up myself? Let's see if we can help you get better."
Asher's face lit up. "Really?!"
"Yes. And I promise, Nora will be happy if you tell her the truth. She deserves to know."
Without hesitation, Asher threw his arms around him in a tight hug. But as he pulled back, he coughed harshly, a splatter of blood escaping his lips.
"S…sorry," he whispered, embarrassed.
Zayan didn't flinch. He gently wiped the blood away with a handkerchief. "It's fine, Ash. We'll get you help. I promise."