The next morning.
As soon as Vera Warner stepped out of her room, she saw Zola Morgan carrying out a plate of blackened something from the kitchen.
Seeing her, Zola's little face, smudged with ash, instantly lit up with a radiant smile. "Mom, I made breakfast for you!"
Vera stared at the mysterious, coal-like food on the plate, seriously doubting if it was edible. "Uh… you didn't have to go to the trouble…"
But when she saw Zola's hopeful, fawning eyes, she couldn't bear to refuse.
Vera went back to the kitchen and fried two eggs, setting them in front of him. Watching Zola tuck in with relish, she found herself feeling strangely moved.
Her feelings for Zola were complicated. On one hand, she knew he was the child of her enemy, but on the other, she always felt an inexplicable closeness to him. She just couldn't bring herself to dislike or neglect him.
Besides…
