Volume 1 Chapter 167
by Need_More_SleepVolume 1 + Chapter 167: Risk of Exposure
The Eve before her eyes bore a striking resemblance to the ‘Mama Eve’ in Vivian’s memory, beyond just the sleek, beautiful silver-white hair and that slightly melancholic face, seemingly always veiled in a faint shadow.
Whether it was the gentle, serene aura she exuded, the soft yet somehow indisputable tone of her voice, her slightly lowered eyelashes, or the composed posture she naturally held while standing, every detail was uncannily familiar.
If Vivian hadn’t witnessed Eve’s life fade before her own eyes, hadn’t watched that cold body being placed into a heavy coffin and buried deep underground, she would almost suspect this was all an absurd dream. She might have even blurted out uncontrollably, “Mama…”
“I see.”
Eve gave a slight nod, seemingly not recognizing this dust-covered, somewhat disheveled girl. She only felt a vague sense of familiarity but couldn’t recall where she might have seen her.
Vivian’s figure wasn’t much different from Leah’s, after all, they were similar in age, both still in their girlhood.
Eve didn’t linger her gaze on the little girl before her, merely sweeping a glance over her before shifting her attention away.
She didn’t realize who this was, nor did she ponder it further, simply attributing the sense of familiarity to perhaps her association with Leah.
“This room had accumulated so much dust, how long would it have taken you to clean it all up properly? But it’s done now.”
Eve lightly patted the specks of dust from her clothes, her tone casual and calm.
With just a wave of her hand, magic had thoroughly swept away the dust in the room, making the entire space as good as new, bright and clean as if it had just been meticulously renovated.
Of course, the furniture, damaged and decayed from long neglect, would still need to be replaced to restore the room fully.
“Look at you, covered in dust. I could barely recognize you.”
Eve bent down, her eyes gentle as she looked at Leah, then took a clean white handkerchief from her sleeve and began carefully, tenderly wiping the dust from Leah’s face.
Witnessing this scene, Vivian froze in place. She stood there, fingers unconsciously clutching at the hem of her dirty dress, her heart seemingly skipping a beat.
A long-forgotten feeling of envy quietly sprouted from deep within, spreading through her limbs, making her breath slightly unsteady.
She remembered many years ago, when she was young and playful, running wild outside all day and rushing home sweaty and filthy, her mother would also wipe her face with such gentleness.
But now, years have passed, and everything has changed. Seeing such a familiar sight again, Vivian felt an indescribable emotion welling up, her fingertips trembling slightly.
“Hungry? Let’s go home for dinner.”
Eve glanced gently at Leah beside her, then her gaze fell on the girl standing to the side. After a brief pause, she added in a warm tone, “Is your friend coming along?”
She could tell this child seemed to be living alone, solitary and somewhat pitiable.
Moreover, Leah seemed to get along well with her. Given that, it was only natural for Eve to show a bit more kindness.
“Of course she is!”
Leah answered loudly without hesitation, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
She grabbed Vivian’s hand, her face full of enthusiasm. “I’m starving! Big sister, let’s go quickly! My mama’s cooking is amazing, you have to try it! I guarantee it’s a flavor you won’t find anywhere else!”
Her tone was light and proud, brimming with youthful vitality, as if she already considered Vivian part of the family. However, faced with such an invitation, Vivian seemed startled, instinctively taking a step back, her fingers tightening on the fabric of her clothes.
How could she? How could she just brazenly sit at Leah’s family dining table?
If she washed the dust off her face later and revealed her true appearance, Leah would most likely recognize her, right?
If Leah found out she was actually that Vivian who used to bully her, would she still treat her with such warmth?
To be honest, after this entire afternoon of interaction, Vivian’s feelings had wavered somewhat.
She had to admit that Leah really wasn’t a bad kid, in fact, she was quite easy to get along with.
Becoming friends with her would definitely be far better than following that annoying Long Aotian.
Compared to that selfish, always arrogant Long Aotian who treated everyone like ants, Leah was completely different.
She was bright and lovely, like a little sun. Even with Vivian’s “mute” persona, Leah never showed a hint of impatience or disgust. Instead, she looked after Vivian everywhere, her care and kindness even leaving Vivian somewhat flustered.
Just these points alone put Leah miles ahead of Long Aotian.
But… it was too late to realize this now.
“Big sister? You don’t want to come?”
Leah’s voice clearly held a note of disappointment.
Seeing her expression, pitiful like a little cat that had lost favor, Vivian felt her heart clench.
She quickly shook her head, pointing towards the bathroom, then at her own dirty face.
“Oh, I get it! You mean you want to wash your face and change into clean clothes before coming to my place? Okay, okay! I’ll leave the door open for you, you can just come right in.”
“Mama, we still have those guest slippers, right? Let’s give the big sister the pink ones with the little rabbits!”
Leah grabbed Eve’s arm, speaking with affectionate familiarity.
“Alright, alright, whatever you say. Your face is plenty dirty too, you need a good wash when we get back.”
Eve fondly patted Leah’s head.
Vivian stood to the side, watching blankly, her face full of envy.
After seeing them off and closing the door, Vivian leaned weakly against it, sliding down to sit on the floor. Tears silently traced paths down her cheeks.
She had to admit, she somewhat enjoyed the feeling of being with Leah, and even more so the feeling of being around Eve.
Eve’s gentleness made her feel as if her own mother hadn’t really left, as if she was still by her side.
But… How could she maintain this?
Vivian was conflicted. Once the grime was washed from her face, the mask would be gone, and her identity would be exposed.
Leah definitely wouldn’t accept her. In that case… she should just keep this mask on her face forever.
Vivian ran to the bathroom and washed her face clean. Staring at her own pretty face in the mirror, she hesitated for a long time before slowly raising her hands to her cheeks.
She had once learned disguise techniques from Eve. Eve had said this skill would surely be useful in the future.
Back then, Vivian had been dismissive. But now it seemed, nothing Mama Eve had left her was useless.
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