Chapter 11

Simon instinctively straightened up. He thought that not only was he right but also suspected that Sean's unusual strictness was due to his feelings for Wendy. After dinner, Moira asked Martha to help move Xyla's luggage to the already prepared room upstairs. "Wendy, I didn't know you'd be coming to Bellmire City, so we only have one spare room for now. Since Xyla hurt her leg, why don't you share a room with Martha?" Moira cleared her throat before speaking. "Sure, Mrs. Horton Senior," Wendy replied cheerfully as she stood to clear the table. Upon seeing this, Xyla quickly joined in to help. "Xyla, you've hurt your leg and just traveled for two days straight by train. You should head upstairs and rest. Let Martha handle the cleanup." Moira glanced at Xyla. "Yeah, just put it aside. I'll take care of it." Martha took Xyla's luggage and helped her upstairs. Standing on the wooden staircase, Xyla couldn't help but smirk as she watched Wendy walk into the kitchen with the dishes. She felt that Moira and Jacob really liked her. They must have approved of her as Sean's future wife. Jacob wanted to suggest that Wendy head back to her room for some rest, but a single look from Moira silenced him. Once the living room was empty except for the two of them, Jacob couldn't help but speak up. "Mom, don't you think you're being a bit harsh on Wendy? You could have just let them share a room. It's not like they can't fit in one bed." Moira took a sip of her coffee and cast Jacob a sidelong glance. "Call Alexandra later and have her keep an eye on Simon. I don't want him getting too close to Wendy." "What do you mean by that, Mom?" Jacob frowned. "If Simon helps Wendy with her studies, she might even improve when school starts." "Hmph! Have you forgotten what Sean told you over the phone just because she's pretending to be all sweet and innocent?" Moira scoffed. "Wendy could harm her own sister just to marry Sean and even threatened to jump into the river. She isn't here to study but is here to find a way to climb the social ladder. Who knows if she has her sights set on Simon?" "Mom, seeing is believing. I don't think Wendy is anything like what Sean described. There must be some misunderstanding," Jacob insisted. He held a high position in the military and had a sharp eye. He could see through even the most trained spies with just a few questions. Earlier, he had deliberately showcased the gift he bought for Xyla in front of Wendy to gauge her reaction, but she had maintained her composure. Her clear eyes revealed nothing of jealousy or discontent. "Sean confirmed everything with the village chief before reporting it to you. What kind of misunderstanding could there be?" Moira set her cup down. Her tone left no room for debate. "As I said before, if she behaves herself, we'll support her through high school. But if she tries to seduce men in the base, we'll send her back to her village immediately and just focus on looking after Xyla." With that, Moira stood and went back to her room. Wendy finished washing the dishes and cleaning the stove. She only emerged from the kitchen once she heard the other two leave the living room. The kitchen door was directly facing the living room. It was clear that Moira wanted her to overhear. Wendy had already made up her mind on the train to look for a summer job as a live-in housekeeper, so she wouldn't have to stay at the Horton residence. So, when she met Martha, her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, and she was courteous. Sharing a room with Martha worked perfectly in her favor. After Martha returned downstairs and saw the spotless kitchen, with all the dishes neatly put away, she felt a rush of joy. She felt that Wendy was not only pretty but also diligent and quick with her hands. "You're a guest, so you really shouldn't be cleaning up. Go rest in your room," Martha said. "Martha, I know it's a hassle having Xyla and me stay here. You'll have to do double the work and cook for two extra people," Wendy said sweetly, her voice sincere. Martha's heart melted at those words. She couldn't help but like Wendy more. After all, this was a long-term arrangement—at least a year—so it would definitely increase her workload. Originally, she only had to cook for five people, but now, it would be seven. Even laundry would pile up. It was manageable in the summer, but during winter, she'd likely end up with frostbite on her hands. Moira was getting older, and with young Sadie still needing care, Martha was already under a lot of pressure. "So, to make sure I don't burden you and Mr. Horton, I was hoping to find a job during the summer doing housework for someone, just like you do. "I can also look after kids if needed. I'm hoping to earn a bit for my high school tuition. Do you happen to know anyone—" Before Wendy could finish, Martha grabbed her hand, her eyes crinkling in delight. "What a coincidence! I know this lady, Elena Ward, from the market. "She works as a housekeeper for a university dean. Her husband had an accident and broke his leg, so she wants to go back home to take care of him. "But the dean's family can't cook, and she needs someone to fill in before she leaves. If you're serious about this, I'll ask her tomorrow when I go grocery shopping." "Thank you, Martha! I'll join you tomorrow and help carry the groceries." Wendy's voice was as sweet as honey. When she smiled, her cheeks formed charming dimples that added to her enchanting allure. Seeing her smile made Martha feel all fuzzy inside, like she had just tasted something deliciously sweet. This lovely girl was easy to adore. It baffled her why Moira and Sean didn't seem to appreciate her as much. The difference in how they treated the two sisters was painfully obvious. … The next morning, bright and early at 4:30 am, Wendy got up with Martha to make breakfast and then headed to the market to buy groceries. By the time Sean arrived to take Xyla to the hospital, the entire family had already finished breakfast, and Jacob had left for a meeting at the military base. When Sean didn't see Wendy in the living room, he assumed she was still asleep in her room. After exchanging pleasantries with Moira, he took Xyla to the military hospital to check on her leg. As Xyla sat in the passenger seat, her heart raced and her cheeks flushed when Sean fastened her seatbelt. Her tanned hands gripped the seatbelt throughout the journey. At the thought of what she had overheard Moira say the night before, she pressed her lips together. Turning to Sean, she asked with a hint of hesitation, "Sean, do you know if Simon is… seeing anyone?"