Who Are You Really?

Agatha fell silent, wrestling with her thoughts once again. Living with a wealthy person was not a casual offer, especially since Jayden was a widower. But on the other hand, this was a golden opportunity. She needed a place to stay, money for her tuition fees, and a replacement for her old phone. "My offer still stands, Agatha. Isn't it enough to convince you? You can gain great benefits. What other reasons do you have to say no this time?" A tricky question. Agatha couldn't answer it with a refusal. Moreover, Layla was hoping for her acceptance. If she continued to refuse, the girl would surely resent her. Agatha didn't want to make a little girl her enemy. Not just Layla, all the other children she met, she always tried to bring happiness to them, no matter how small it was. "Daddy, what did you offer to Aunt Agatha?" Layla interjected, looking at her father with a furrowed brow. Jayden deliberately shrugged. "It's an adult secret. You won't understand, and you don't need to know." Layla pursed her lips, her eyebrows aligning in annoyance. Refusing to look at Jayden, she held Agatha's arm. "Daddy is annoying, Aunt. I can't stand living with him every day. It seems like I need you to deal with him." "Hey, hey, Layla," Jayden reprimanded, giving her a sharp look. But Layla just stuck her tongue out. Agatha chuckled softly. She gently stroked Layla's hair. Seeing Layla, it was like seeing her own self in the past. Living only with a father before they eventually passed away. Agatha could sense how Layla, just like her, didn't receive a mother's love. The same went for Jayden. Taking care of Layla on his own must be challenging. Being both a father and a mother was not easy. Agatha could see the sincerity in Jayden's words and feel the deep love he had for Layla. "Aunt, I'm waiting for your answer. Why is it taking so long? Does Aunt Agatha not want to?" Layla asked eagerly. No. Agatha couldn't refuse. She just had to think it through because her answer would determine her fate. Agatha smiled again at Layla, who was showing her impatience. "I don't have any more reasons to refuse. But I still doubt if I deserve to have it," Agatha hesitated. Layla didn't understand. Jayden then stood up after sighing patiently and restraining himself for long enough. "Hey, Agatha. I won't wait any longer, tonight you have to stay with me." Agatha widened her eyes as Jayden suddenly grabbed her suitcase. She immediately stood up and sat down with the help of Layla, who was equally surprised by her father's irrational behavior. "Oh my goodness, wait a minute. I haven't given my answer yet." Jayden had already carried all of Agatha's belongings, including her shoulder bag. He gave Agatha a cold stare. "Your hospital bill is only for one night. Actually, I don't need compensation, but it seems that this is the only way to make you unable to refuse me. The person who brought you earlier couldn't even pay for this expensive hospital bill." "And what about you, who just got kicked out? Can you afford to stay here for another night? Or are you planning to sleep on the streets?" Jayden continued, grinning smugly. Agatha could barely breathe properly. Her jaw tightened. Her eyebrows furrowed as she gazed at Jayden. "You did this on purpose, didn't you?" Jayden pulled the corners of his lips. "Yes, I did it on purpose. I will do anything for Layla's happiness. Layla likes you, she can laugh when she's with you. I don't know when I'll find someone who can do that for Layla again. So, how could I let you go? From now on, Layla's happiness depends on you, Agatha." "Dad... you're awesome," Layla whispered softly. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at her father. "I truly can't believe you did this," Agatha let out a long breath. Mixed emotions didn't completely take over her heart. Jayden nodded. He himself didn't expect to say those words. "So, trust me. Let's consider ourselves as partners working together. After all, we both benefit equally, don't we?" Agatha closed her eyes for a moment. Layla's small hand reached out for hers, and she held it gently, feeling its soft and warm touch. Agatha could only lift her face after five minutes. If this was indeed the best path, if this could save her life... "What else can I do? I will do it for Layla's sake." Agatha took a deep breath. "For my own life too." Agatha's gaze met Jayden's eyes. He smiled warmly. Agatha wanted to give a casual expression, but her heart suddenly raced. That smile almost made her unable to blink, until Layla hugged her tightly. Only then did Agatha regain her senses. "Oh my goodness, Aunt Agatha! I'm so happy to hear that!"  *** Agatha restrained herself from showing her surprise when they arrived in front of the towering apartment building. The problem was not that she was amazed, but the building reminded her of the night she wanted to forget, even though she couldn't completely forget it. "You really live here?" Agatha remembered the morning when she saved Layla. She didn't expect to come back to this place again. Jayden walked in first, and Layla chose to hold onto Agatha's hand. "Yes, it's Layla's own wish. She doesn't like her big house." Agatha nodded in understanding and glanced at the silent Layla. It seemed that the girl was starting to run out of energy. Agatha followed Jayden into the luxurious elevator. Silence enveloped them. Agatha suddenly remembered the name of this apartment. There seemed to be something wrong with her thinking. The name of the building she was stepping into, 'JD Apartment.' An acronym that was not unfamiliar. But Agatha held back her question because of her doubts. It couldn't be that the owner of this apartment was Jayden Byanthara, right? Ah, true. The acronym was not formed solely from Jayden's name. "There are two rooms. You sleep with Layla. Previously, she used to sleep alone." Agatha was jolted from her reverie. She quickly nodded in understanding. After a few seconds, the elevator doors opened. They walked through the long, luxurious corridor after stepping out. Agatha felt a sense of déjà vu. She anxiously hoped that her silly assumption wasn't true. Until they stopped in front of apartment number 25, Agatha's body froze. The room next to it was the room she had exited earlier, number 24. She remembered it clearly because she had seen it. Agatha's heart raced when she realized something. "Wait." The door was already open, and Jayden, who was about to enter, reflexively turned around. "What's wrong?" Agatha swallowed slowly. Her grip on Layla's hand tightened unconsciously. She looked at Jayden, seeking an explanation. "You... who are you really?" Jayden furrowed his brow briefly, then glanced at Layla, who had yawned multiple times. He told her to go in first and go to sleep. Jayden then closed the door again. "Don't you already know? I'm Jayden Byanthara." Agatha shook her head firmly. "No. Not that. I mean, what is your occupation?" Jayden paused, then restrained a smile. "Don't you really know who I am?"