Late that evening, Cid returned home, exhausted. As soon as he stepped through the door, Rose greeted him with a teasing smile.
— That little love declaration was cute, she teased.
Cid blushed, scratching the back of his head.
— Ah... uh... it wasn't really...
— Oh, come on, laughed Rose. Did you see your face?
Trying to change the subject, he asked:
— Where's Mia?
— She's already asleep, replied Rose with a tender smile.
Cid nodded, taking the information in without adding anything. After a moment of silence, he looked up at Rose.
— Do you think you could find her a job in your shop?
Rose was surprised, but joy sparkled in her eyes.
— Of course, with pleasure!
— Thank you, Rose.
He gave her a grateful smile, then added:
— It's late. You should sleep here. This house is as much yours as mine.
Rose hesitated, then agreed. Cid went upstairs, unaware of the storm about to hit his home.
A few days later, just as the household was settling into a routine, a new presence came to disrupt everything.
Mia, busy in the living room, jumped when she heard sharp knocks at the door. When she opened it, she found a strikingly beautiful young woman with short hair framing a face that was both seductive and arrogant.
— Who are you? Mia asked, surprised.
Without answering, the stranger stepped inside with confidence, as if she owned the place. She scanned the room before settling on the couch, crossing her legs.
— Take my things upstairs, she ordered nonchalantly.
Mia raised an eyebrow.
— Excuse me?
— And then, make me something to eat.
Mia crossed her arms, irritation growing.
— Do you think I'm your servant or something?
The young woman finally turned to look at her, scrutinizing her.
— And who do you think you are?
— The owner of this house. And I could very well throw you out.
A tense silence settled. The stranger narrowed her eyes and slowly stood up, ready for a confrontation. But before the tension could explode, a deep voice intervened.
— What's going on here?
Cid had just arrived, his gaze shifting between the two young women.
— Lara? Since when are you here?
The woman in question immediately changed her attitude, turning to him with a charming smile.
— Just now. I came to see you, she replied, fluttering her eyelashes.
Then, taking a falsely outraged tone, she added:
— By the way, you should fire this insolent girl!
Cid sighed, crossing his arms.
— Mia is not my servant. She's my friend. She'll stay here as long as she wants.
Lara widened her eyes.
— You're joking?
Annoyed, Mia left them and went upstairs. Cid, on the other hand, tried to calm Lara, but she, far from being satisfied, also went upstairs before rushing back down a few minutes later.
— Cid! Is this a joke? She took my room!
Cid sighed.
— There are other rooms.
— I want that one!
— Why? You hardly ever use it. Might as well let it serve a purpose rather than collect dust.
Lara stared at him, incredulous.
— You're taking her side?
— I'm just explaining things, he replied calmly.
Lara seemed thrown off by his response.
— Where did you even meet her?
Cid recounted their meeting, the accident, and their agreement. Lara listened, a mocking smile on her lips.
— So she's blackmailing you… What nerve! Just wait until I have a word with her.
Without waiting, she stormed up to Mia's room.