The early morning sunlight slipped through the narrow gaps in the window blinds, spilling across Linda's face. Her body still ached from the weight of yesterday, every muscle begging her to stay in bed. With a reluctant sigh, she pushed herself up and dragged her weary frame toward the bathroom.
The mirror reflected a pale, tired girl back at her. The faint bruise on her face stood out like an unspoken reminder of last night.
She picked up her toothbrush and scrubbed sluggishly, the minty taste barely enough to chase away the heaviness in her head. She splashed cold water over her cheeks, she felt it sharp against her skin, pulling her the rest of the way into wakefulness. After freshening up, she dressed quickly and stepped out into the living room.
As she got into the living room she froze.
There, bent over the center table was Mr. Adams. wiping down the surface.
Linda blinked in surprise, heat creeping into her cheeks. She hadn't expected him to be awake, let alone cleaning. "Good morning," she whispered, her voice shy.
He turned at once, warmth spreading across his features. "Good morning, Linda. How was your night?" His gaze lingered on her with a softness that made her shift uncomfortably.
She rubbed her arms, lowering her head. "It was… fine."
Her eyes drifted to the wiper in his hand, amusement flickering in her expression. Someone like him, elegant and reserved, doing chores in her living room? It felt almost unreal. "You didn't have to do this," she said gently. "After yesterday, you should've been resting."
He chuckled and shook his head, still holding the cloth. "I'm used to waking up early. At home, I'm usually up before five to prepare for work. Honestly, this feels relaxing."
Linda tilted her head, torn between smiling and scolding him. "Well… I'll get breakfast ready."
She had barely taken a step toward the kitchen when she stopped suddenly. "Wait. Where's Sara?"
"Oh, she stepped out to throw away some garbage," Mr. Adam replied casually.
Linda frowned. "With the baby?"
At that moment the front door creaked open. Sara stepped in, her cheeks flushed from the cool air, cradling baby Jack against her shoulder.
"Why did you take him out this early?" Linda asked, her brows knitting together in a playful frown.
"I couldn't leave him. He wouldn't stop crying," Sara chuckled, adjusting the baby in her arms.
"You should've woken me up."
"You needed the sleep," Sara countered, her tone light. "You were completely worn out last night." She carried Jack into the room and added with a grin, "I even made breakfast, just noodles and fried egg."
Linda's lips curved into a smile. "Thank you. But next time, let me do the cooking and washing."
Sara shrugged, still smiling. "Then what will I do?"
"You already have baby Jack to take care of. That's more than enough."
Turning back to Mr. Adam, Linda gestured toward the kitchen. "Come on. Let's eat before it gets cold." She busied herself arranging the simple meal on the small dining table.
The three of them sat together, steam curling from their bowls as they ate. For a moment, the room felt like home, a family dinning together.
After breakfast, Sara gently placed jack on her shoulder. "I think I'll take him to the hospital for a quick check-up. Nothing serious, just routine."
"I'll come with you," Linda offered quickly.
Sara shook her head. "No, get ready for school. I'll be fine."
Linda hesitated, but finally nodded. "Alright. Just… be careful."
When Sara left, the quiet settled again. Linda found Mr. Adams on the couch, flipping through a newspaper as if he has no plan of leaving .
"So," she asked curiously "when are you planning to head back to your house?"
He paused, as if the thought had slipped from his mind. "Ah… you're right." A sheepish smile tugged at his lips. "I've been enjoying my stay here so much, I almost forgot this isn't my home."
Linda giggled. "How is that even possible? Can your mansion really be compared to my tiny hut?"
He chuckled softly. "I'll call my boss first, then I'll head back. By the way… that bike I saw yesterday, was it yours?"
She nodded, a faint frown tugging at her face.
"Let me replace it for you," he offered with sincerely.
"No, don't worry. I'll get it myself. It's not broken. And if I don't find it, I'll just report to the police. You don't need to do anything."
He studied her for a moment, then smiled faintly. Her refusal didn't disappoint him, it impressed him.
Linda glanced at the clock. "I'd better get ready for school. If your car isn't too damaged, maybe you could drop me off?"
"Of course," he said smoothly. "I'd be glad to."
With that, she disappeared into her room.
When she returned, dressed for the day, the living room was empty. The couch was vacant, his neatly folded suit resting on the armrest.
Her chest tightened. Did something happen again?
Then she spotted a folded white envelope lying on the table. Heart racing, she grabbed it and tore it open. Inside was a cheque, her breath catching at the figure written there. Tucked behind it was a letter. Then she unfold and read.
---
Dear Linda,
I apologize for leaving without saying goodbye. You've done more for me in the past hours than most people have in my entire life. Thank you, for your kindness, your strength, and for taking care of me when you didn't know me.
The cheque enclosed is not a gift; it is my way of compensating you for the trouble I brought into your peaceful life. I know no amount can repay you for risking yourself for a stranger. Still, I hope it helps in some way.
Please take care of yourself. The world needs more people like you.
Mr. Adam
---
Linda stared at the name, her mind reeling. Mr. Adam? But… he said he was Fang Leng.
She sank into a chair, the cheque in her hand. So he lied. But why?
The thought of him slipping away without a word pinched at her chest more than she cared to admit.
Her eyes fell back to the cheque. The amount printed there made her hands shake. How could anyone give away that much so easily?
She folded the letter and cheque neatly, slid them into her bag, and walked out of the house. Hailing a taxi, she headed for school, her thoughts storming in silence.
From a sleek black car parked down the street, Mr. Adam watched as her taxi pulled away.
"She saved you," Secretary Kim remarked from the driver's seat, his tone casual but edged with meaning, as if he was trying to make a meaning.
"Yeah," Mr. Adam murmured, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "The kid's got serious skills."
He leaned back against the leather seat, his gaze lingering on the road where her taxi had disappeared.
"Let's go."
The car eased into traffic, melting into the restless pulse of the city.
The car slipped into traffic and drove out of sight.