SWNOVELS Chapter 41
I
Chapter 41
A young girl appeared, dressed in a white down jacket and a beige knitted long skirt. sweet look. But she was in a wheelchair.
Her long h
hair flowed down her back, giving her a delicate and
Mikayla had heard from Jorge and Sylvia about Natasha's condition. Her disability wasn't congenital but acquired, and there were many humors about it. Only the Ludwig family probably knew the full story. Additionally, Natasha had a congenital heart disease.
A servant wheeled Natasha in. Her clear face had a streak of dark blue oil paint. Selena quickly approached, tenderly wiping the oil paint from Natasha's face with a handkerchief. "It's so cold, I told you to stay inside," she said softly.
"Carlos finally brings Mikayla over. I wanted to paint a picture for him," Natasha said, her voice clear and sweet.
Two servants then carried in a large oil painting. It was clear that Natasha had a unique talent for art. The depiction of Carlos was lifelike, capturing his essence perfectly. The scene appeared to be a corner of the family garden, with Carlos in profile, seemingly deep in thought.
"Mikayla, do you think my painting of Carlos looks like him? Natasha asked, her innocent eyes fixed on Mikayla. The next moment, her gaze dimmed. "It's just a pity that Carlos hasn't been home for a long time. The last time he came back was because of you, Mikayla"
Looking at Natasha, so young yet confined to a wheelchair, Mikayla felt a surge of sympathy. "It's beautiful, Natasha. You've captured him perfectly. May I have the painting?"
"Of course! But if you and Carlos get married, will you two visit me often?" Natasha asked, hope shining in her eyes.
"Well... Mikayla glanced at Carlos, who remained silent. She could promise to visit often, but getting Carlos to do the same seemed unlikely,
"Mikayla and Carlos are both very busy, Natasha. Don't trouble them, Selena gently advised, understanding Natasha's temperament.
Pouting slightly, Natasha relented, "Myla, please wrap up the painting for Mikayla.
"I know Carlos might not be able to come back often, but I can visit you more, Mikayla offered, trying to soften Natasha's disappointment.
"All right" Natasha responded, but Mikayla could tell that what she truly desired was Carlos company.
"Mikayla, don't mind her. Natasha has been clingy since she was little, Selena reassured with a gentle smile.
'Is that so? Mikayla wondered.
Soon, a servant from the kitchen announced that dinner was ready. The Ludwig family of four and Mikayla prepared to sit, but Natasha insisted on sitting next to Carlos. This arrangement pur Carlos in the center, with Mikayla and Natasha on either side.
The table was set with an array of dishes, many of which were Mikayla's favorites. Her appreciation for the Ludwig family grew.
"Mikayla, please help yourself. These dishes were specially prepared based on Carlos' suggestions. We hope they suit your taste. If anything isn't to your liking, let us know so we can improve next time. Selena said warmly.
"No, really! You all are so thoughtful!" Mikayla felt genuinely cared for, whether it was because of Carlos instructions or the meticulous attention from Garrett and Selena. Even though this was only her second time meeting them, their attentiveness far surpassed the twenty years she had spent with the Lindstrom family. Every meal with them had been stiff and formal. They never catered to her preferences; instead, she always had to adjust to theirs.
Garrett and Carlos had a drink while discussing business matters of Ludwig Group,
Suddenly, Natasha pointed to the dish in front of Carlos. "Carlos, can you deshell a shrimp for me?"
"Natasha, you usually don't like shrimp, do you? Let me do it for you." Selena offered, her voice full of motherly concern.
"No! I want Carlos to do it. He's rarely home. Can't he fulfill my request just this once?" Natasha's voice was sweet and coaxing, the very essence of a younger sister's playful demand,
Garrett and Selena both looked at Carlos anxiously.
"All right, Carlos agreed, rolling up his sleeves. "But Mikayla likes shrimp too. I'll deshell one for her first"
Mikayla was enjoying the fish Carlos had just put on her plate when she felt a piercing gaze on her.