Novels2Search
Ashes of our hearts (ENG)
Part 6 "Watch your step"

Part 6 "Watch your step"

I barely managed to survive last night. As soon as Lady Isara brought us back, I jumped out of the car to return to the room as quickly as possible. I managed to wish her good night, but after that we did not cross paths. I do not know how strange my behavior may have seemed to her, but I hope she will forgive me for this.

Despite how stormy yesterday ended, this morning was no less calm. I woke up because of the noise behind my door. I had to get up and change my clothes as quickly as possible. When I went out, I saw a rather unusual picture in the corridor. Three people gathered on one floor at once, Khun Niwat, Lady Isara and, most surprisingly, Lady Sawika. I quietly went out, looking out the door, not knowing whether to interrupt their conversation.

Isara: Why didn't you say that Fai hadn't spent the night at home for several days? - The woman's voice cut like steel.

Sawika: She's an adult, Isa. You're not her mother.

Isara: Of course, you left home from time to time when you were her age. You didn't care what your father thought about it. - I heard she was on edge.

Sawika: Do you think it’s better to sit within four walls and live the way others want you to?

Isara: Shut your mouth and don't talk about things you don't know. If you had set a different example for her instead of turning her against the family, none of this would have happened. She wouldn't be sitting in the room crying and scared right now.

Niwat: Please, stop. Your sister is safe. She needs time to calm down. I will try to get more details from her when she feels better. - The man tried to control the situation, but Lady Isara continued.

Isara: When she arrived, her clothes were like torn rags, her body had fresh abrasions. What kind of safety are you talking about? Isn't it clear? There was an assassination attempt, a specially staged provocation. - It was the first time I saw her in such a state.

Niwat: I understand. Give me time before lunch, I'll find the Camera recordings and find out how this happened.

Isara: We must find the attackers as soon as possible. I don't care who ordered this, but I will do everything so that by next week they are already lying in the grave.

Hearing her last words, I felt fear gripping me. She was dead serious. I knew that the Sangwit family was not simple and had a lot of influence, but I had never thought about what exactly Lady Isara’s company did. The only thing I had heard was the name “Infinity life”. This company was founded by Mr. Sangwit more than 30 years ago, he was the CEO all this time, but left his post at the age of 65. Lady Isara is the eldest daughter, she took over the post and became the new CEO seven years ago. I couldn’t find out anything else, but I still had my suspicions. I wanted to go back to the room, but unfortunately, the door creaked loudly, giving away my presence. All three people turned in my direction.

Sawika: Good morning, Marta. Did we wake you up? - As if forgetting what they had discussed a minute ago, Lady Sawika turned to me politely.

Marta: Good morning, I apologize for interrupting your conversation. I simply heard a noise and came out to check. - My gaze lingered on Lady Isara. She had dark circles under her eyes, it looked like she hadn't slept well, if she'd managed to get any sleep at all. The woman looked at me, but without saying anything, she quickly turned around and went into her study. Lady Sawika and Khun Niwat exchanged puzzled glances.

Niwat: Today is going to be a tough day. - He turned to me. - You're probably going to have a tough time. Don't take her behavior personally. We've got a really bad situation going on here and it needs to be resolved.

I heard enough, so I didn't ask any questions.

Marta: Of course, I understand.

Niwat: Well, I guess I'll go, I still have some work-related calls to make. - He bowed, bidding farewell to me and Lady Sawika. Now we were alone.

Sawika: I tried to explain that empty shouting and accusations won't help matters, but... It happened that way. You heard everything, right? - She asked me a direct question.

Marta: Yes, I am very sorry that this happened to Lady Fai.

Sawika: She has rarely appeared in the house lately. I suppose you have never even seen her in person. Most likely you will not see her now. Isa wants to send her somewhere far away from here with personal guards. - The woman leaned against the wall. - I don't think it's a good idea, but the decision will be up to our father in any case.

Marta: If Lady Fai was leaving often, is it possible that she lived with someone?

Sawika: Of course, it's quite possible. The only problem is that in this family, lies and secrets are preferred to trust. She won't say anything, even if it concerns her "beloved young man". Although I doubt that it was his doing.

Marta: So there will be an investigation?

Sawika: Officially, no, this incident must not be known. Isa, as always, will resolve issues on her own. She likes to rummage through other people's laundry. - Her words leave an unpleasant aftertaste. - Sorry, I didn't mean to pester you. Just pretend like nothing happened, okay? Don't ask her questions, she won't answer you anyway. - She pointed towards the study.

Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

Marta: As you say, Lady Sawika. - She had a point. I really shouldn't have gotten involved. I'm doing my job and nothing more.

Sawika: If you want, come out into the yard later. I was planning to draw while the sun is not too hot.

Marta: I didn't know you were into drawing.

Sawika: I get inspiration. It's my hobby. Although I think I'm much better at writing.

Marta: I'd be happy to join you. - I enjoyed talking to Lady Sawika, she was very easy to talk to. I wasn't nervous at all in her presence.

We agreed to meet. I said goodbye and went to get Lady Isara's morning coffee. Downstairs, the situation never changed. Rada and Mali were arguing about something as usual. It was more like a family squabble between a mother and daughter. I enjoyed watching them from the sidelines, remembering similar situations with my brother. When they finally finished sorting things out, Rada handed me a cup of black coffee and I returned to the second floor. Knocking on the door, I did not hear the usual voice.

Marta: Khun Isa, your coffee is ready. - Still no answer. I thought about leaving, but for some reason an uneasy feeling did not allow me to do so. Knocking again, I entered the room.

The woman stood silently by the window holding a lighter in her hands. I didn't even know that she smoked, at least I had never seen it. Her dark eyes, which had been full of anger before, now seemed completely empty. She was lost in her thoughts, completely unaware of my presence. I wanted to approach her, but I was afraid that this would anger her. All I could do was quietly put the cup on the table and leave.

Isara: Wait. - A cold voice instantly pinned me to the spot. Holding my breath, I waited for her to say more. - Are you feeling okay?

Marta: What? - I turned around, walking away from the door.

Isara: Last night, you didn't seem to be feeling well. You came back to the room very quickly. I didn't even have time to ask if you enjoyed the show. - She walked to her desk and reached for her drink.

Marta: Yes. I really enjoyed it. The performance was great, I was just a little tired. Sorry if I seemed rude to you.

Isara: It's okay. I understand. - She took a sip. I saw the lipstick imprinted on the cup where her lips touched. I felt awkward again, just like yesterday.

Marta: Is there anything I could do to help? - It was a stupid question.

Isara: I know you heard our conversation. - I swallowed, waiting for what she would say. - This matter will not affect you in any way. However, I would like you to go to your family for a couple of days. You have never asked for a day off. You have the weekend, spend it with your loved ones.

It was too sudden and it was hard to understand what feelings these words evoked in me. Was the problem that I was afraid to return to my family or that I did not want to leave Lady Isara alone? I looked into her eyes full of longing and the desire to approach became more and more.

Marta: Khun Isa, may I express my gratitude to you? - This question sounded spontaneous, but I did not expect to receive an answer. Stepping forward to the woman and lowering my head, I sighed quietly.

Isara: Gratitude? - She was surprised. I took advantage of the moment and approached her, closing her in a light embrace. This moment lasted no more than a couple of seconds. I was scared because I did not know what reaction to expect. Quickly moving away, I bowed.

Marta: Thank you. - Without looking up, I tried to understand her emotions.

Isara: You have nothing to thank me for... - Her voice was quiet, completely unrecognizable. - I looked up. This woman seemed different to me for a second. We stood opposite each other, each trying to understand what was going on in our thoughts.

No matter how many times I reminded myself of how different we are, it was impossible to shake off the feeling that constantly moves me forward. Each time, the fear inside me grew with new strength. I was afraid of who Lady Isara was. Afraid of how I reacted to her voice. I was afraid of finding out what her attitude towards me really was. I was afraid that if I got closer to her, I would fall. I was afraid that maybe she would understand what I felt. I was afraid that she would play with me. After all, looking into her dark eyes, I can’t see anything except my own reflection. What scares me is what I think about. This time that I am here, the place where I am.

I left and returned to my room. The anxiety was growing from the knowledge that I would soon be seeing my family. I needed to warn them of my arrival and prepare myself for questions in advance. I was sure that Krit would be happy to see me. I was worried about how he took my sudden departure. I know for sure that he was not angry. Being alone and watching everything that was happening could not be easy.

I needed to pack a small bag so as not to waste time in the evening. I put everything I needed, but my eye caught a book.

“I’m afraid I won’t be able to take it with me...” My fingers touched the thick cover.

Here it is again. I was once again visited by memories of how I sat in Lady Isara's room. How she lay next to me, completely calm and not worried about anything. This moment was like from a fairy tale that I made up for myself. I don't even know why I started thinking about her so much.

An hour later I managed to get out to meet Lady Sawika. The woman was sitting on a bench, sketching. She seemed completely relaxed, as if there were no problems around.

Marta: Good morning again, Lady Sawika.

Sawika: I've been waiting for you for a long time. Come sit down. - I sat down next to her.

Marta: You do it very beautifully.

Sawika: Do you think so? Thank you, I am glad to hear it. - She smiled. - To be honest, I am only good at drawing nature. No matter how many times I try, I can't draw people.

Marta: Maybe you need a special model. Someone who would inspire. Many artists are looking for something that will really grab their attention.

Sawika: I think you're right. Although I don't consider myself an artist, maybe just an amateur.

We sat enjoying the morning sun and the gentle calming wind. It was very quiet here. I watched Lady Sawika draw neat lines with a pencil. Her smooth face and eyes full of the spirit of freedom always delighted me.

Marta: Lady Isara let me go home this weekend. - I said suddenly, drawing attention to myself.

Sawika: Did she offer it to you?

Marta: Yes. I'll leave the house tomorrow and be back Monday morning. I fiddled with my fingers, trying to calm the anxiety that had arisen again. - It's just... I don't think this is a very good idea.

Sawika: What's bothering you? - She looked at me curiously.

Marta: Do you know why I agreed to this job?

Sawika: I heard. Before he brought you, Niwat said he had found a girl. - Lady Sawika did not continue, she only asked. - Are you afraid because you left your family?

Marta: Yes. I'm scared to go back and see that nothing has changed. I know it hasn't been that long, but I had hoped... - My voice became strained. This conversation was more difficult than I thought. - It's important to me that the money Mr. Sangwit offered me helps my mother get better.

Sawika: You have to believe that everything will end well. - She gently hugged me, trying to calm me down. - I am fascinated by how much you care about your loved ones. Not everyone can sacrifice their desires for the sake of others.

Marta: You're right... I thought the same about Lady Isara. - I don't know why I said that. I'm sure Lady Sawika had a different opinion on that matter.

Sawika: Isa followed the path that her father chose for her. Yes, maybe thanks to this we live more peacefully, but... I'm sure if she had refused, then life would have been different. It wouldn't have changed so much. Although in general it doesn't matter anymore.

The life of the Sangwit family was under a huge veil. I could only listen and watch, trying to understand the real reason for such consequences.

Marta: I would like to help her, but I don’t know how.

Sawika: You shouldn't think about it. - I felt her hand tense. - Take care of yourself and your family. Don't try to help those who don't want it themselves.

We sat like that for quite a while. Reflecting on life and chatting about trivialities. I was glad to share my worries, even if only a little. I often wondered why the relationship between Lady Sawika and Lady Isara had become so strained. Despite the fact that the company was mentioned every time, I was sure there were other reasons. I would like to know what Lady Isara was thinking, to know what was troubling her.

When the sun went down and it became cooler it was time to go back. Lady Sawika said that she would come the next morning to see me off before leaving. We said goodbye. Before returning to my room I told the news to Rada and Mali. They were surprised, but wished me a good weekend. All that was left for me to do was to prepare for the next day.