✓ | REBIRTH OF THE REBEL [Book One]

CHAPTER 9

WARNING:
Please be aware that this chapter contains self-harm and suicidal ideations. I did not wish to trigger anything from reading this, but the character of this story is currently experiencing an uncontrolled violent nature. I hope that you understand, and please be mindful of this sensitive theme.

This is a two-part plot that will explain the hindrances of the main character in the story. The next part will be uploaded on Friday.

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[ C H A P T E R 9 ]

LATISHA VALENTINE

The next day, I woke up early to prepare Annika for her first day with Lady Graciela. I took charge of her daily meals to control the nutrients she needs to intake. Hindi naman mapili ang bata sa mga pagkain at alam ko na rin ang mga hilig niyang putahe.

Hindi sanay ang mga nag-aasikaso sa kusina na nakikita nila ako. I asked the Head chef for a portion in the kitchen where I can freely do what I want. Of course, he disapproved of that idea but the moment I presented my defense, he allowed me. Only with the condition that I am not going to burn his kitchen.

I am not a good cook but I am trying to learn. Mahilig lang ako sa table plating and servicing, but cooking is never my forte. Subalit nitong mga nakaraan, palagi akong tambay rito.

I wanted to prepare the foods I served to Annika myself. Gusto ng bata na lagi niya akong nakikita sa umaga kaya kailangan kung magising bago siya. I was also planning to have a family breakfast right now, and I informed the Butler to tell the Duke about it. Sana naman sumipot ang Duke kahit isang beses lang para makita niya si Annika bago umalis.

As much as I wanted Annika to be homeschooled, Lady Graciela told me it is much appropriate if she learns to socialize at such a young age. Pumayag ako na dalhin niya ang bata sa nursery class. There, Annika will mingle with children on the same range of age as hers. Siyempre, ipapasama ko si Sonya, ang kanyang yaya para bantayan siya. I don't want my daughter to experience being bullied.

Kasalukuyan akong naghahanda sa mesa ng dumating ang Butler. Napansin ko pa ang mabilis niyang pagtingin sa mga handa ko bago siya tumikhim para kunin ang aking atensyon.

"Good morning, your grace," he greeted with a forceful smile on his face. "The Duke is currently handling a serious matter and might skip breakfast."

Sinadya kong bitawan ang kutsara na hawak ko dahilan para tumunog ito ng magkaroon ng impak sa sahig. Butler Erwan was stunned for a moment but he didn't let his composure be swayed by such a mere act.

"Can I see the Duke?" I asked him.

"He informed me that he doesn't want any visitor not until he finishes his work, your grace."

Nagulat na naman ito pati na rin ang mga kasama kong maids ng bitawan ko ang babasaging bowl at nabasag ito sa sahig. The freshly seasoned vegetables salad scattered all over the place when the bowl broke. The maids started to panic and tried to clean the mess but I halted them.

"It is alright, my hands slipped." My gaze went through the Butler. I know he is now thinking that the Duchess is back at ruining things intentionally and acting like it was an accident, and then the Duchess will seek the presence of the Duke to aid her shock.

I wouldn't do that.

I bent my knees to pick the shattered glass and it alerted everyone, including the Butler.

"Your grace, don't do that. Masusugatan ka!" he panicked. Akma sana siyang lalapit ng pinigilan ko siya. He looked at the maids. "Find a towel and clean this mess!"