Esther arrived at the cuisine, her favorite place to get her Japanese dishes. As she stepped out of the car, she stretched her stiff muscles, arching her back and extending her arms over her head.
The warm sun on her skin felt delightful, and she took a deep breath, savoring the aroma of Japanese spices wafting from the restaurant. The place was packed with people ordering dishes in advance, the atmosphere lively and bustling.
Esther scanned the room for an empty seat, her eyes landing on a spot by the ceiling-to-floor window. The view was breathtaking, offering a glimpse of the artificial lakes and the cityscape beyond. She smiled to herself, feeling grateful for this little oasis. As she took her seat, Liam was still busy parking the car. Esther didn't wait for him; instead, she picked up the menu that had been placed on the table.
She scanned the options, her eyes widening as she spotted her favorite dishes. She ordered a few of them, calling out to the waiter as he passed by. While waiting for her food to arrive, Esther glanced around the restaurant, taking in the decor. The place had undergone some changes since her last visit, but the essence remained the same.
It was a blend of Japanese and Western culture, catering to a diverse clientele. Many Western fans enjoyed the Japanese dishes, while those like Esther, who were fans of Japanese cuisine, appreciated the authenticity.
Her gaze landed on a familiar figure sitting in the corner, and her eyes softened. It was Nora Clay, the elder daughter of the Clay family and Lilith's step-sister. Esther remembered Nora's story, how she had been neglected and disrespected by her family. Despite her difficult circumstances, Nora remained gentle and kind, always willing to help others.
Esther's thoughts drifted back to their last encounter, a painful memory that still lingered. She suspected that Lilith had a hand in it, manipulating the situation to drive a wedge between Esther and Nora.
As she watched Nora, Esther felt a pang of pity. Nora looked lost and disorganized, her eyes red-rimmed from crying. When the waiter brought her food, Esther asked about Nora's situation.
"Her partner broke up with her and left her with the bills to pay, but the people she keeps calling aren't answering," the waiter replied.
Esther's expression turned sympathetic. "How much is the bill?" she asked. "Two hundred thousand," the waiter replied.
Without hesitation, Esther handed over the money. "If she asks, say it was done by a well-wisher," she instructed the waiter. He nodded and took the money, heading to the cashier.
A few moments later, a woman, probably the manager, walked over to Nora. Esther watched as Nora's face lit up with gratitude, and she felt a sense of satisfaction. Liam arrived at the table, looking exhausted. His hair was messy, and his eyes seemed tired.
"Can you believe this?" he started complaining about a woman he had met, unaware that Esther wasn't listening. Her attention was focused on Nora, watching how she reacted to the kindness.
"Are you even listening to me, Esther?" Liam asked, noticing her distraction. "I said I met this woman who I figured goes by the surname Wang." Esther turned to Liam, her gaze questioning. "Isn't that the Ibarra family?" she asked, her mind racing with possibilities. Liam continued talking about the woman, describing her as agitated and hiding from someone. Esther's thoughts were elsewhere, though. She was thinking about the Ibarra family and what their presence meant. Liam's words barely registered as she pondered the implications.
Meanwhile Liam was annoyed by the woman who her stumbled earlier. She was no different than a nouveau riche and someone's backer. Her arrogant behavior was unacceptable for him an heir to the wealthy Rochester empire.
...
Nora Clay stared blankly at the manager, her face a mask of disappointment and frustration. After everything she had been through, she knew that the person who had helped her must have an ulterior motive. She had been the targeted daughter of the Clay family, used to gain the interest and liking of the Clays. Just like today, when she found out her boyfriend of two years had been using her to promote himself in the Clay industry, her heart sank. What hurt more was that her sister Lilith had known about his cheating behavior and didn't find it serious enough to tell her. Instead, she made a deal with him to monitor Nora, a revelation that left Nora feeling betrayed and hurt.
Nora didn't know whether to cry or laugh, but she did both, anyway. The tears that poured out of her eyes wetting her rosy cheeks reminded her of how worthless she was, while the laughter reminded her of all the betrayals she had suffered at the hands of her family. She felt like she was living in a never-ending nightmare, and she didn't know how to wake up.
She thought back to all the times she had felt like an outsider in her own family, like when her parents would favor her sister over her, or when they would belittle her opinions and ideas.
She remembered the time her parents had thrown a grand birthday party for Lilith, but barely acknowledged her own birthday. She had felt so invisible, so unimportant. And when she had tried to talk to her parents about it, they had just brushed her off, telling her she was being too sensitive.
As she sat in the office, feeling defeated and alone, Nora couldn't help but think about all the times she had tried to fit in with her family, only to be rejected or belittled. She had always felt like she was walking on eggshells, never knowing what would trigger her family's wrath.
Suddenly, she felt a light touch on her shoulders, which drew her out of her dilemma. She raised her head slightly to stare into a familiar pair of eyes. "Esther Morris," she mouthed, wiping her eyes before hugging Esther tightly. She regretted everything – following her family's words only to lose a good and trusted friend. She regretted having hope in such a hopeless family.
As she hugged Esther, she felt a sense of comfort and security that she hadn't felt in a long time. "Crying doesn't fit a sophisticated woman like you," Esther's voice rang out like a sharp knife, cutting through the silence. "Whatever or whoever caused your pain isn't worth you or your time." Esther's words were like a new light in Nora's life, giving her a new source of hope in her dark life.
Just then, she received a message from her bank account saying all her accounts had been frozen by the Clay family, and all her shares in the company had been transferred to Steven Bones. This news shook Nora to her core. Her body involuntarily trembled as she read the message. She was now not only jobless but also penniless. How cruel could the Clays be?
Seeing the content of the message, Esther's face darkened at once. She had known the Clay family to be ruthless and conceited, but she didn't think they could be so inhuman towards a family member. Nora noticed Esther's change in aura and felt a mix of emotions. She was scared, yet she felt cared for and tender in Esther's hug. This made her feel wanted and appreciated.
"Don't worry, Nora. I'm here for you," Esther said, her voice soft and reassuring. Nora recalled all the times Esther had been there for her – through the thick and thin. She had never once given her a reason to complain, but then she had betrayed her, all in the pretense of a sisterly bond. Today, even the infamous saying of blood being thicker than water couldn't match the cruelty of her family.
"I know you're desperate for means, and I'd like to help if you'll allow it," Esther said, her voice professional and stern. "And don't worry, I won't pin anything on you." Esther wanted to make it clear to Nora that although she was helping, everything involved was professional, with no personal games attached. Esther knew Nora well, knew that Nora didn't want anyone's charity. So, placing a job opportunity in front of her, even if it was help, would make Nora feel at ease.
"This is a business card," Esther said, handing it to Nora. "You know the EOB Pavilion, right?" Nora nodded instinctively. "I heard they're hiring a new worker for designing, and since you're in that field and experienced, this is your opportunity. Also, I know a friend there, so be rest assured that things will go smoothly."
Hearing Esther's words brought tears to Nora's eyes. What had she done in her previous life to receive such a loyal friend like Esther? Honestly, it was good that in this life, she had been repaid. "Thank you very much, Esther," Nora mouthed, trying so hard to be audible but only received a hug from Esther.
"You don't have to," Esther said. "After all, I'll be there for you anytime you need me. I'll shield you from those Clay family members – be rest assured that I'll get what's rightfully yours." Esther's words were like a promise, a promise of protection and support in a world that seemed determined to hurt Nora.
As Nora looked at Esther, she felt a sense of gratitude and admiration. She knew that she could count on Esther, and that gave her the strength to keep going.
Nora took a deep breath and stood up straight, feeling a sense of determination wash over her.