Marrying My Father's Enemy
Chapter 58: An Unexpected Kindness

Chapter 58: An Unexpected Kindness

Chapter 58: An Unexpected Kindness

The girl smiled down at Eira, her dark brown eyes were filled with warmth.

Her skin was a deep, rich brown, glowing softly in the faint light from the streetlamp above.

There was something confident about her, the way she stood, steady and calm, as if nothing in the world could make her uneasy.

Her smile was open and friendly, a warmth that made Eira feel, for the first time in days, like she wasn’t alone.

"What are you doing out here in the snow?" the girl asked.

Eira swallowed, glancing away, unsure of what to say.

She looked back up, looking at the girl’s face. "Could you... could you remind me who you are?"

The girl gave a small laugh, not offended, just surprised. "I don’t blame you for not remembering. We went to the same high school. You were a grade ahead of me. Different classes."

Eira’s brow furrowed, everything felt so foggy. "You... remember me?"

"Of course." The girl smiled again, a little brighter this time. "You were always so smart. Everyone knew who you were, even if you didn’t know us. I’m Sana."

"Sana," Eira repeated, nodding slowly as she tried to let the name settle. "It’s nice to... see you again, Sana."

Sana nodded toward Eira’s suitcase, her brow creased.

"Look, Eira, you don’t seem okay. I don’t know what’s going on, but... would you like to stay at my place tonight? Just to warm up?"

Eira blinked, caught off guard by the kindness. "I... I wouldn’t want to bother you..."

"Trust me, it’s no bother," Sana said in a firm but gentle tone.

"My flat isn’t anything fancy, but it’s warm. And I’ve got hot chocolate." She winked, extending a hand to help Eira up.

Eira hesitated, then reached out, letting Sana pull her to her feet. "Thank you... I didn’t think anyone would... help me like this."

They walked quietly through the snowy streets until they reached a small building tucked between a line of old shops.

Sana led Eira up a narrow set of stairs, then unlocked a door and gestured for her to step inside.

The flat was cozy, filled with mismatched furniture and little knick-knacks on the shelves.

A few plants sat by the window, their green leaves adding life to the small space.

A thick quilt lay over the back of the couch, and a stack of books rested on the coffee table, worn and loved.

"Welcome to my humble little home," Sana said with a grin, setting Eira’s suitcase near the door. "It’s not much, but it’s home."

Eira looked around, glancing at the cuteness of the place like a soft blanket wrapping around her. "It’s... it’s lovely. It feels... real."

Sana laughed, moving to the kitchen corner. "Real is a good word for it. Have a seat. I’ll make us some hot chocolate."

Eira sank onto the couch, sinking into the soft cushions, letting out a breath she hadn’t realised she was holding.

She watched as Sana filled a small pot with milk, easy and practised, humming quietly as she stirred in cocoa and sugar.

After a few minutes, Sana came over with two steaming mugs, handing one to Eira. "Careful, it’s hot."

Eira wrapped her hands around the mug, the heat soaked into her cold fingers.

She took a small sip, the sweetness filled her in a way she hadn’t felt in ages.

"So," Sana said, settling into the armchair across from her. "Mind if I ask what’s going on? I heard you married Callian Reed. That must be... something."

Eira looked down at her mug, her fingers tightened around it. "You... heard that?"

"Yeah, word gets around," Sana said, smiling gently. "It sounded like a big deal. I mean, Callian Reed... he’s kind of famous around everywhere. Everyone was talking about it."

Eira’s eyes remained staring on the mug. "It... it didn’t turn out like I thought it would. I... I guess I thought it’d be different."

Sana watched her quietly, giving her the space to speak without pressing. "Different how?"

Eira bit her lip, feeling her throat tighten. "I thought he cared about me. I thought he... I don’t know. I thought it was real."

Sana’s face softened. "It’s okay if it wasn’t. Doesn’t make it your fault."

Eira’s eyes stung, and she looked away, blinking back tears. "I... I don’t even know where to go. I thought... when I left, I thought I’d figure something out, but..."

"But it feels like there’s nowhere to turn?" Sana finished gently, nodding in understanding.

Eira looked up, her eyes meeting Sana’s. "Exactly. I... I’ve never felt this lost before."

Sana leaned forward. "Well, you don’t have to decide anything tonight. You can stay here as long as you need. I mean it. We’ll figure it out. Together."

Eira swallowed, her heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you, Sana. I... I didn’t think anyone would... care."

Sana smiled warmly. "We all need someone, Eira. And tonight, you’ve got me."

"So, Henry Blackwood really is your father after all..."

"Yes. My mother was Helen Hax, and I’m their bastard child together."

"Don’t say that!"

"But it’s true."

"Why did you marry Callian then?"

"...."

There was a long pause before Eira answered, "it was to get my revenge first. I mean, he had power and money; and most importantly, he hated Henry the most."

"So, basically, you married your father’s enemy?" She arched her brow.

"Yes... at first, but then I fell in love with him."

"Oooo! That’s like a true love story."

"You can say so, but Callian spent a night with my half-sister."

Sana flinched, "he did what?!"

"Yes... so, this is kind of a reason why I left."

"But how do you know that?"

"An unknown number sent me pictures of them together..."

"Not Callian or Vanesa themselves, huh?"

"It must be one of them. It said that Callian wants a divorce. And then there’s Mita too..."

"Can I see the pictures?"

"Su-sure..." Eira stuttered, but handed her the phone.

Sana scrolled through them, "hhhmmm..."

"What?"

"Don’t you think it’s a bit odd how his eyes are closed and not even in one he’s smiling or enjoying?"

Eira’s heart skipped a beat, "I didn’t think about it."

"Maybe because you were blinded by shock, but these pictures are for sure fabricated."

Eira almost dropped her mug on the ground, "they were what?!"

"I suspect that your husband was drugged to take these pictures."