Chapter 23 GaReally Do This?
As soon as Kanny Jia vanished behind the door, Andrea let off a huge breath, cast her eyes at the closed entrance. How long can I keep this up? she pondered, shifting her thoughts back to en and the game she was in. It made her feel as if she was within a labyrinch filled with falsehoods but at the same time, the feelings of warmth and care provided to her were soothing
There was no possibility of getting through this ordeal without deception and without any personal risk.
Jason as Marmy Jia sented the kitchen to make food for Andres, Andres let out beath and reclined on her bed as her heart rate slowed down from the near shock. Daren, who was looking les the right opportunity to come in, was lucky mough to see her still gathering herself when he looked from behind the door’s edge with a teasing expression on his face.
“You survived,” he said in a low voice and entered the room while trying not to create noise.
Andrea aimed for threatening glace but ended up smiling instead. “Barely. You should have seen me trying to think of an excuse to avoid the peanut butter stew
pare inched close and perched himself at the edge of the bed looding admiringly at her. “You managed it beautifully, I didn’t expect you to come up with something that fast,
You handled the situation well‘ Andrea laughed uneasily and waved her head. “Well, I think I can’t be avoiding things like those for too long I mean everyone dotes on Sonia so much and this whole thing makes me feel like one wrong turn andi’s all going to come crashing down.”
Daren reached for her hand and smiled. “You’re doing very well, Andrea. Even Nanny Jia, who is very perceptive, did not notice anything. If you manage to get through that talk, you can manage anything else.”
Andrea ashaled and looked for assurance. But what it up? More than just forgetting a certain dish. What if they suspect that I am not her?
Daren held her hand. “You won’t. You’re doing more than act as Senia. You are getting to know her, and in some respects, you are beginning to live within her life. You will get to that point, and when you do, it will come more way to you
The affection in his voice made Andrea’s heart race. For just a moment, she allowed his woods and presence to sinkin, and she felt at ease.“1 hope that is the case,” she said, her voice
Daren was smiling, his thumb rubbing the back of hand in small circles. “It is. And if ever it becomes too much, I am always here. We are in this together, remember?
Anders remembered and managed to relax in het motiousness: “I do. Thank you.”
They stayed silent for a few moments, the burden of the situation still withing on them, but in Daren’s company it felt somehow less–less heavy. Less impossible.
Just as Andrea was about to begin, the aroma of food flooded the air and she grinned, realizing it was the same Nanny lla she had asked to prepare the soup who was busy in the kitchen upstairs. It was a victory albeit a small one that made her feel just that little bit capable to forge ahead
–
“Are you ready to step out for another day of being Senia? Diren asked, his voice kid but slightly modding
Andrea chuckled lightly. “I suppose I must be One meal will come after another, I guess?”
“Exactly that,” Daren said with a smirk. “And Ire that there is no peanut butter on your plate.” Andrea grinned as she felt a little lighter for the first time that day. “That I can put up
The moment Nanny ia cuited to go and fix something for Andi to, da letu long breath, samping again the bed, still gated after almost sing something. She was still awkward v partering herself when through the house’s entrance Daren popped his head with a mischievous grin.
“You survived,” he said and stepped in, barely containing a laugh.
Andis a shot him a threatening look but the smile on her face betrayed her. “Barely. You did not see me cushing to ed an excuse to avoid the peanut butter stew.” Daren came over and perched him on the wheel, looking at her with amazement. “You dealt with it. I did not expect you to have an anguler on fast as that.”
Andrea let out a nervous laugh and shook her head. “Yes, well, I guess it is only a ter of time before I am out of options to even avoid everything. Sonia is loved by everybody, and it’s like I can do something in this and will mess it all up.” Daron’s expression became tender and her interlaced instigating fingers with hers as he spoke. “You’re great, Andrea. Nanay I did not
anything and she is the most een person I’ve ever met, if you managed such a talk, your could do anything”
Daren’s grip on her hand was tender. “I know you won’t. You are doing more than faking being Sonia. You are actually finding out who he was and in some ways, you are stepping into her shoes. You’re on the right track and when you get there, it will come easily.”
Andrea’s heartbeat quickened due to the tenderness in his voice. For a briell moment, she allowed herself to trust hi
- rather low tone.
thim, and enjoyed the pleasure of his company. “I wish you are,” she said in
Daren’s expression brightened as he continued to rub small circles on hat hand with his thumb “i iam. And if things get out of hand, which I doubt they will, I’m right here. We are in this,
Andrea nodded and the hallucination of fear retreated for a bit. “I do appreciate it. Thanks.”
They stayed quiet for some time, the tension in the room was still in place but, for some reason, the presence of then made it bearable. Not looking so utile.
Justas Andrea opened her mouth to speak, the pleasant aroma of food filled the air and she smiled, aware that Nanny was somewhere downstairs cooking the soup the ordered. It was a small win, perhaps, but one that offered her a fraction more of the strength to press on
You ready to face anather day of being Soda?” Daren asked, his tone kind yet teasing
Andres chuckled quietly. “I suppose 1 will have to be. One meal at a time, righlin
“Exactly,” Daren sald grinning “And be around to see that you don’t roast the bread on your plate,”
For the first time that day, Andrea grinned, a little bit of let in her heart. I can handle that”
As the two head Harry is calling them for dinner, Daren got up and extended his hand to Andras, who had that playful look in her The asked with his arm og t
herryes
With all the fuss, Andros managed to me, although she was still a little uneasy, but safe. She grabbed his hand, and they began walking downstairs, and the warmth of his hand was quite
hing to her
