✓ | REBIRTH OF THE REBEL [Book One]

CHAPTER 5

[ C H A P T E R  5 ]

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LATISHA VALENTINE

The main mansion of the Duke is an empty, lifeless, and left by time abode. Even if there are a lot of maids cleaning the house, it still emits a dull-like aura. Of course, the Duke is mourning for the loss of his beloved. This place was a funeral for me, before because I have lived in these black corners since I married him.

I did try to make changes at some point, but he always has the habit of turning them down and retaining the old style. He always says that Annabelle loves black. Ano ba pakialam ko kung mahilig sa itim ang babaeng 'yon? This house is like a vampire's den.

I have this plan to change the house palette, but I need to address it to the Duke first. Pero, hindi ko muna gagawin ngayon, dahil kararating niya lang at baka hindi pa niya napo-proseso ang usapan namin kagabi.

If it weren't for my generosity, everyone would be living like dolls in this place. Ako lang ang nagbibigay ng ingay sa bahay na 'to. I have that habit of ordering people around, establishing a personality that they will retain before I become a true villain.

I was always like that: exaggerated, sensitive, and particular. That is why they fear me. Once my voice echoes in the corridors, everyone will be alerted that the Duchess is looking for another person to fire.

But, I haven't done that since I came back on this timeline. Alam ko nagtataka na silang lahat sa mga inaasal ko nitong mga nakaraan. Tuwing dadaan ako sa main hall, dapat may mga nakahelerang kasambahay para batiin ako, subalit hindi ko na pinapagawa 'yon ngayon.

Before, there were twelve maids that followed my tail. But, right now, it is only Hana. Minsan din ako lang talaga mag-isa dahil marami akong inuutos sa kanya. It's a new thing that I know people in this household already thought of. Yet, that is the least of my concerns.

Since Roshan came a little earlier than he was supposed to be. I need to prepare Annika to meet him. Nagpapasalamat ako kay Blessime dahil nagpadala siya ng damit na kasya na sa bata, na siyang agad kong pinasuot sa kanya.

I heard from his butler that Roshan went out horseback riding. Palagian niyang ginagawa 'yan para makapag-isip. By the time they come back, Annika and I will greet them at the doorstep.

"Annika, breathe."

Napapansin ko na hindi humihinga ang bata habang naglalakad kami pumunta sa lecture hall. Dumating na kasi ang mga pinatawag ko na mga taong magtuturo kay Annika.

I enrolled her in a tutoring class to expand her vocabulary. Annika's speech is not delayed and her level of intelligence is already extraordinary. Gusto ko siyang matuto ng mas maaga kaysa hintayin na tumungtong siya sa tamang edad.

Iniisip ko na rin na kailangan niyang matuto mag-patugtog ng musika. I will let her pick any instrument she likes, so that once she grows up, she already has a talent. With regards to art, I can teach her.

One of the things I am good at is painting. Isa ito sa mga pampalipas oras ko tuwing nababagot ako sa bahay. I can also allow Annika to learn embroidery, but she is too young for that now.

"Mommy," she suddenly said.

Napatigil kami sa paglalakad at lumuhod ako para magpantay ang mata namin. My mother always does this to talk to me, and it is easy for children to retain the words if they see the person eye to eye. Hindi ko akalain na gagawin ko ito sa bata, dahil nasanay akong nakatingin sa baba, dahil ako ang may pinakamataas na tungkulin sa Edinburgh.