Querdia was left speechless. She looked down in embarrassment.
Mother..no, Lady Dianne grabbed Querdia's hand and rushed out.
I stay quiet, trying to process the situation.
"Thanks for your hard work." Father says, and the man bowed and left.
...Does that mean the Archduke couldn't come because he dealt with my family?
I look down and I say "Thank you..."
Then suddenly...I get lifted up!
The Duke had me sitting on his arm and carried me.
Everyone in the store was surprised.
"Buy everything in this store." The Archduke orders, and we leave the store.
Inside the Carriage
The Duke placed me on his lap, and everyone got in.
Kai sat next to us, while the Duchess and Keith sat infront of us.
"Sorry If I worried you." The Duke told the Duchess.
"It's quite alright. I got very irritated by Lady Dianne's attitude. I've never seen someone so shameless." She rants.
So..when she was angry earlier...it was because of that? So she doesn't hate me?
I look up to see the Duke smiling, and I ask "Your Grace, how were you able to convince my parents?"
He looks down and smirks "They're greedy people. Instead of thinking that they let us adopt you, they think they sold you off instead."
So the Archduke payed for the adoption? My parents are quite embarrassing.
"Abela, from now on you're an Ortiz. Wouldn't 'Your Grace' be too formal?" The Duchess looks at me sincerely assuring me everything would be okay.
Flustered, I start to stutter. "I-I u-uh.."
"Why don't you start off with me Abela?" Keith suddenly speaks.
This is making me so nervous.
Nervously, I say "B-brother..Keith.."
Keith gives a bright smile, and everyone suddenly looks at Kai.
Crap?! You expect me to say it to this guy?! He's looking at me coldly!
"B-brother..Kai......" His face suddenly calms down, he looks away, but his ears are red.
Then I awkwardly look at the Duchess. "M-m-mother.."
I didn't know it'd be this hard! In the novels I read, I get annoyed at the kids who can't get it over with and just call their parents mom.
Now I understand...
Everyone then gave an intense stare at me, and the Duke himself was coldly staring at me.
"F-father.." I finish off feeling relived.
Why does it feel good to call these people Mom? Dad? Brother?
I feel so relieved...
The Duchess...no, Mother... Started laughing.
I got curious and looked at the Duke who was trying to hide his smile, while his ears were red.
Like father like son.
At the Archduke's residence
What a long day...
"Abela, why don't you have tea with me?" Mother says offering to hold my hand.
I gently place my hand on hers and nod. While we walk together and head towards the garden.
We arrived at the table and it was a white table with glass as the base. The chairs were white, and they were very clean.
I sit down at the vacant chair with a few cushions stacked to it. While mother sits infront of me.
"Please leave us" she orders the maids.
The maids bow and leave.
"Actually, how old are you Abela?" Mother asks.
"I..I'm 5." I reply
I'm actually 24, that's why I don't seem as fragile. If I was a real 5 year old, I don't think I'd even be here.
"Wow! You're pretty small for your age. When's your birthday?" She asks again.
Birthday? I don't know.. I don't even remember my birthday in my past life...and it wouldn't be necessary to remember since even in this life it's not celebrated.
"I..don't know." I hesitantly reply.
Mother's eyes widen, and exclaims "Does that mean they never celebrated your birthday?!"
I slowly nod, and say "It's not a big deal."
"What nonsense are you saying?! Do you remember anything when you were born or something related to your birthday?" She insists.
"Oh, my old maid celebrated it with me around winter season..." I suddenly remember.
She rested her chin on her hand, thinking.
"Did anything that happen during your birthday?"
I remember that when Ibella celebrated it with me, the Earl left the house with Lady Dianne and Querdia. It seemed important, noticing how they were busy downstairs..
"I remember the Earl and everyone very busy downstairs, and when it became quiet, it seemed that everyone left." I explain.
"Ah! That was the day of the crown prince's 7th birthday. I remember it clearly because we were late because of the snow." Mother says.
So that means I have the same birthday as the crown prince?
"Since your birthday is the same day as the prince, it will be easy to remember! December 3rd!" She happily says.
But, it still won't be celebrated because everyone prioritizes the prince's birthday...
"If you're worried about the date, it has a simple solution. We just won't go." She smiles.
Did she just read my mind??? How did she even..?
"But that's too troublesome-" I get cut off.
"No, if it's for our daughter, anyone would understand. Even the Emperor would prefer we celebrate it than ignore it." She says then stands up and kneels beside my chair.
"You're safe now. I promise you. So don't hold yourself back, you should speak up. When you want something, we will give it to you." She tells me with sincerity.
I couldn't hold myself back, and hugged her.
I thought she would push me away, but instead she hugged me back.
"Thank you.." my voice began to shake.
Little did I know I was crying..
"Thank you...Thank you...Thank you.."
I repeatedly said as tears roll down my face.She pats my back "You're safe now."
I'm safe...
I've been saved.
YOU ARE READING
At least I'm Alive
Fantasy[Please read Author's Note! REVAMP IN THE MAKING] Abela reincarnated after a horrible murder by her abusive household, becomes the daughter of an equally tyrannical noble family. Stuck in a cycle of sorrow, hope flickers when she stumbles upon a vi...