Morning light slipped quietly through the thin curtains of the servants' quarters, painting soft golden lines across the room. The world outside the mansion was already awake, but inside the room, the air felt calm—briefly peaceful, like the stillness before a storm.
Nyra slowly opened her eyes.
For a moment, she forgot where she was.
Then she noticed her brother.
Adrian sat beside her on the bed, his laptop open, eyes focused on the screen. His sleeves were rolled up, his posture tense, fingers moving quickly across the keyboard. Dark circles rested beneath his eyes—silent proof of how little rest he had taken.
"Bro…" Nyra murmured, rubbing her eyes. "When did you come?"
Adrian looked at her and smiled faintly. "Around one o'clock, dear."
Nyra blinked in surprise. "One o'clock? Then why are you awake so early? It's only six."
Adrian closed the laptop for a moment and sighed softly.
"I don't work at a normal place, Nyra," he said gently. "I work under one of the richest—and most powerful—person in the country. As his assistant, my work never really ends."
He looked at her seriously. "If I'm late… or if I make even a small mistake, I have to face the consequences."
Nyra's expression changed instantly.
Sadness clouded her eyes.
"Then why do you work so hard here, bro?" she asked quietly. "Why suffer like this? You could work in a normal company. Even an average salary would be enough for us to live peacefully."
Adrian was silent for a few seconds.
Then he smiled—not a happy smile, but a tired one.
"I know," he said. "But that wouldn't be enough."
He looked straight at her.
"The fees at Aurelion Crown Academy are not even in lakhs, Nyra," he said calmly. "They are in crores."
Nyra froze.
"…Crores?" she whispered.
Her heart pounded.
"Then why…" her voice trembled, "…why do you want me to join that academy, bro? Even if I study in a normal college, I can still have a good life."
Adrian shook his head immediately.
"No," he said firmly. "My sister deserves a better life."
He continued, his voice steady but heavy with emotion.
"You suffered your entire childhood, Nyra. You lived with humiliation, pain, suffered with loneliness, I couldn't even help you, Iam helpless .
He clenched his fist slightly.
"I don't want you to just survive," he said. "I want you to live happily. I want you to have opportunities, respect, and a future where no one can look down on you.
He softened his tone.
"I know how tough this is for me. But I'm willing to bear it. You are talented, Nyra. When you join the academy, you don't need to worry about money or struggles. You just need to study well… and be happy."
Nyra's eyes filled with tears.
She moved closer and held his hand tightly.
"I promise," she said emotionally. "I will do well in my academics, bro. I won't disappoint you."
Adrian smiled—this time, a genuine one.
"That's all I want," he said.
Then he stood up. "Now go take a bath. Your breakfast will arrive soon."
"Okay," Nyra replied softly and went to the bathroom.
The moment she closed the door, Adrian's phone vibrated.
A message.
His smile vanished instantly.
His face tightened as he read the words on the screen.
Additional work assigned to your sister . The Kitchen area and rooms of this mansion also included to be cleaned . The work will be reduced to half only after academy begins.
Adrian closed his eyes.
He already knew who this was from.
Jason.
His chest felt heavy.
He sat back on the bed, staring at nothing.
Why he wants to make my sister suffer more? he thought bitterly.
But he also knew the truth.
Even though the mansion was filled with servants whose only duty was to maintain the estate , Jason Intentionally assigned the cleaning work to Nyra .
It was not because help was needed , not because the work was difficult .
Jason wants him to understand the harsh truth , entering the world of the rich does not grant respect . Power is not given simply because someone asks for it and sympathy has no place in his world.
A few minutes later, Nyra came out, dressed in a simple white frock. Her hair was still slightly damp, falling softly around her shoulders. She looked fresh—innocent, almost out of place in this harsh environment.
She noticed her brother immediately.
"Bro…" she asked softly. "Why do you look so worried?"
Adrian hesitated.
Then he told her the truth.
"My boss assigned you additional work," he said slowly. "You'll have to clean the kitchen area and some of the rooms in the mansion too."
Nyra listened quietly.
"It will take many hours," Adrian continued. "Only after academy starts the work will be reduced. Half the area will be yours. The other half will be given to Selena."
He looked at her anxiously.
"It's… it's a lot, Nyra."
Nyra smiled.
A calm, reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, bro," she said. "I can handle it."
You also know I have done more than this , compared to what I've been through this is less.
Adrian thinks of the past , he know how much struggle and pain she faced . So he doesn't want her to suffer more . But he has no other option.
"Okay," he said finally. "If you feel it's too much, tell me immediately. Please adjust for a few months dear . I'll try to do something."
Nyra nodded.
You don't have to worry bro "I can handle it," she repeated confidently.
Adrian checked the time.
"Eat properly," he said. "You have to start work at eight o'clock. After finishing breakfast, go to the hall."
And if you face any difficulties don't forget to call me.
"Okay, bro."
Nyra began eating.
As she took each bite, her mind wandered—not to fear, but to determination.
She had come this far.
She would not give up now.
No matter how heavy the work…
No matter how cold the rules…
She would endure.