After breakfast, Zera asked Asha to take the children outside to play. Asha rose from the dining table, her eyes lowered as she quietly excused herself.
Zera leaned back in her chair, admiring her manicure before glancing at Walda.
"I'll be visiting Aki shortly. "Zera moved her hand off her chin and rested it on her thigh. Walda nodded.
" Isn't it too early? "Walda laced her fingers and rested them on her thigh.
"Not really, this is our chance to rule the market in this town again. He's opened an opportunity for us without us even struggling," Zera scoffed, and Walda joined in with a laugh.
"We need to make him pay heavily for daring to disgrace our family like that," Walda added, a jeer escaping her lips.
Zera sighed, raising her index finger in the air as she spoke.
"He should have just asked for her hand in marriage instead of trying to take advantage of her." Zera shook her head, lips curling in distaste.
"Old men these days are shameless. He wanted a free ride." Walda smacked and leaned in.
"Why not go to him this morning before the busy hours begin?" Walda suggested, darting her eyes briefly to the floor before meeting Zera's gaze again.
Zera's eyes shifted toward the doorway, where the two little girls were running around the balcony.
"You're right. I'll get going. Watch over her lest she does something stupid," Zera cautioned, standing up. Walda followed her to the door.
"I'll stop here. I don't want to make her uncomfortable," Walda remarked, stepping back toward the wall between the window and the doorway.
"You are sisters. You should be over those childhood grudges by now," Zera said with a sharp glare before proceeding to walk out of the door. She flashed a smile when her eyes met Asha's.
"I'll be out briefly and return soon. Give the kids whatever they need." Zera bent to shake the children's hands, then continued on her way with Asha escorting her upto the gate.
A wry smile lingered on Walda's face as she watched through the window.
An hour later, Walda walked onto the balcony where Asha sat resting with the children as the sun's rays cast a brighter glow. Asha was nearly dozing off while the kids played with their toys on the mat.
"Sister, you look tired," Walda said gently.
Asha sat upright at the sound of her voice. "A little," she admitted with a faint smile, lowering her gaze. Her hands were folded together on her lap.
"I am going to run a short errand and come back quickly. Please, feel at home," Walda said, patting Asha's shoulder with warmth.
"Alright, sister. Please return soon. It's been a long time since I was home," Asha replied with a faint smile.
"I won't be long," Walda assured her. But as she turned away, her face tightened into a frown. She wrinkled her nose as she walked down the balcony stairs.
From where she sat, Asha glanced between the children and Walda's retreating figure near the gate. Her fingers clenched the side of her dress.
As soon as Walda shut the gate behind her, Asha stood. Her face hardened as she looked at the children one more time. She hurried inside, dragging a stool from the center table and placing it behind the front door, leaving only a small gap. She then grabbed a glass from the kitchen, rushed to the door, and set it on the stool and walked towards the corridor I was haste.
At the shop, Yara turned as a voice greeted her. Walda stood in the doorway, her fingers brushing over the fabric draped on the display dummy.
"There's something unique about the way you arrange these clothes," Walda remarked. "It makes me want to buy one myself."
"I learned it from you," Yara replied with a smile, though she stayed standing behind the counter.
"Anyway, I'll be brief. I came to talk about something." Walda peered around the shop before whispering, "Is Egen here?"
"No. I wouldn't be here if he was," Yara said firmly, pressing her lips together and raising her brows.
Leaning closer, Walda asked about Aki.
"Mother says you and he are having an affair. She's gone to confront him, to find out whether he truly wants to marry you or is just playing with you." Walda tapped her fingers lightly on the counter as her eyes drifted toward the doorway.
Yara frowned and locked eyes with her. "Where did she get that from?"
"I only went to collect a debt," Yara added quickly, her heartbeat racing.
"That lode was the one who told her. I don't know the details of what they shared, but I overheard enough."
"But why would lode say that to her?" Yara asked, goosebumps rising along her arms.
"I don't know. That man is mysterious," Walda said, then leaned closer again, her voice dropping. "I don't know how I can help you, but your mother won't. You already her situation. I came secretly to warn you."
Yara nodded, wiping at her teary eyes.
"Stop it. You're strong enough to handle this," Walda told her before turning to leave. She waved once and disappeared through the door.
Yara slumped into her chair as Walda hurried into a waiting cart. She told the rider to move quickly, the man knew the way home, having driven them many times before.
Walda's heart raced as she whispered affirmations, tapping her knees to steady herself. When they reached the house gates, she paid the rider and rushed forward.
Loud cries could be heard from the gate area, children's voices. Walda quickly unlocked the gate through the small window and stormed inside. The house entrance stood wide open.