The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 89

Chapter 89: Missing Arlan

The freshly bathed Oriana entered her sleeping quarters, made sure to lock the door bolt, and while humming a merry tune, took her sweet time to wear her night clothes.

Privacy!

Freedom for her chest!

One of her worries about sharing rooms was her chest bind. It could be said that her new accommodation was a blessing in disguise. Thinking about it, her new job was not bad.

’Being that brat’s attendant isn’t as horrible as I expected.’

She was able to eat good food even though they were leftovers, had a lot of idle time after she finished cleaning, and was even provided her own space. The pay was better than she could imagine as well.

’However, it’s a pity I cannot work for him for real. I need to go back to Wimark as soon as possible. Besides, if I get a stable job like this, I won’t have free time to personally look after Grandpa.

’I wonder how Grandpa is doing. Is he eating well? Is he drinking all his medicine? I’m sure Aunt Gwen checks on him from time to time, but I miss him already.

’Which reminds me, I wonder how her son is doing. Maybe I’ll drop by his workplace and check on Luke during my free time tomorrow.’

Random thoughts continued to pass through Oriana’s mind while she leisurely dried her long hair with a towel.

As she rubbed the wet tendrils of her hair, she could not help but enjoy the softness along with the fragrance of lavender. She then proceeded to comb it in front of the mirror.

Under the soft illumination offered by the candlelight, the reflection of a beautiful young woman could be seen. Her hand touched her cheek gently, wanting to imprint her own womanly appearance in her mind.

Candles and lamp oil were expenses few commoners could afford for daily use. That was why most of the time, poor people would wake up at sunrise and go to sleep after sunset.

As for Oriana, her job as a herbalist allowed her to earn enough to burn oil every night, but only a single lamp that provided dim lighting while she and her grandfather ate their evening meal. After that, she would sometimes study herbal books or concoct medications, but more often than not, she would just retire to her room to rest.

She was frugal and would not waste lamp oil to admire her appearance in front of a mirror. Besides, she only owned a small crude mirror at home, nothing like the big fancy dresser mirrors used by noble families. Like the mirror in front of her.

The image in front of her was crystal clear.

Large hazel eyes framed with long, thick lashes, a pair of naturally arched brows, a delicate turned up nose, as well as fair cheeks and full pink lips. Along with her long wavy dark blond hair with shades of reds and browns, Oriana would be stupid to not realize she was a rare beauty even if she was placed among the favored daughters of nobility.

When she was a little girl, someone even claimed she looked as pretty as a doll.

’I wonder, who do I look like? Grandpa doesn’t like talking about my parents, but I look nothing like Grandpa, be it the eyes or hair color or even the shape of our faces. Since he’s my paternal relative, then I guess I inherited my mother’s looks.’

Oriana continued to brush her hair, her eyes lost in a daze.

’Did Mother have long hair like mine? Did she prefer wearing it in a bun, braiding it, or letting it loose?

’I can’t help but envy Rina whenever I see Aunt Gwen brushing her daughter’s hair. I bet my mother would also love to fix ribbons in my hair if she were alive.

’I wish I had a memory of her, even just one memory...’

As she put down the hairbrush on the dresser drawer, her image reflected the bitter smile on her face.

’But what is the use of beauty when it brings nothing but troubles?’

Memories from a past she would rather forget surfaced and her expression turned frightened.

’A pretty little thing like you deserves to serve my master. Be grateful that I am giving you this honor.’

’Such a beautiful girl. You must serve us well.’

’This face, Master will be surely satisfied—’

The trembling voice of a little girl begged in between sobs.

’Grandpa...hic...help me...’

’Let me go...’

’Eek, Grandpa, help!’ _{frёewebnoѵēl.com}

’No!!!’

The cries of her younger self continued to echo in her mind. She closed her eyes for a moment, realizing a bit too late that tears had rolled down her cheeks.

’Ugh, look at me. This is not the time to remember all that. I guess I am more tired than I thought.’

She lay on her bed after putting out the candle.

’Shall I sleep? He did say that I should sleep. But what if he returns and needs something? I don’t want to be a normal servant. I want to be an outstanding one so he will like and trust me more.’