9 Denial and Acceptance

It was odd. Vasillis stared at the tree up close. He walked around it and looked if there was a clue somewhere in the tree. Perhaps even carvings of some sort, or maybe a message was written on it.

There was none. He thought it would be possible for at least a short message indicating that she needed help. 'Did she really come here to just rest under the tree? I do not think so.' Vasillis thought.

He became even more curious as to what made the tree so special. Somehow, a sense of familiarity with it. "Have I been here before with her?" he asked himself under his breath. But he had no memory of the place whatsoever, it must be his mind messing with him.

Just as he was about to order his men, he caught a glimpse of a spot that he did not notice. There were four letters carved on the tree, the first two letters were A and A but it was crossed out. The way it was crossed out gave him a strange feeling. It was neatly crossed but it was as if there was something wrong.

His gaze dropped to the other set of letters, A and C. He took out a small piece of paper in the pocket of his coat and wrote it exactly as carved. He thought that maybe it would help him in some way he does not know yet.

He turned around and went towards his men and pointed at the tree. "Dig it up." he ordered.

The men stared at him in confusion and exchanged glances with each other, "Sir, dig?"

Vasillis nodded his head while putting the paper back in his pocket, "Yes, dig the ground surrounding the tree."

"Sir, could it be that you think Alexandria is...buried ther-

The man could not continue his words when he slammed to the door of the carriage. Vasillis held him in the collar and grabbed it tight while glaring at him, "Never say that again." he warned with emphasis on every word.

He let go of him and the man dropped down to the ground while holding the collar that his boss gripped tightly. Vasillis looked down on him, "Alexandria is alive. I will prove it." he stated.

The three gulped, whatever happened to Alexandria had changed their boss too much. He was in a denial stage, finding the woman he wanted to see was impossible, but they had no choice but to comply with all of his orders.

"Ask around and borrow what you can use to dig it!" Vasillis yelled when he saw the men who were still not moving and were just looking at each other.

The three moved at once when they heard the yell of their boss. Vasillis stared at the tree and slowly clenched his fist, "I refuse to believe their words, not even your father or your brother." he said as if he was talking to Alexandria. He will never be able to accept it if Alexandria will not return.

"I am sure you are waiting for someone to find you, Alexandria…"

~~~~~~~~~~

Before the chaos,

"I am unsure of what you mean by that."

"Your loyalty is uncertain." Alexandria stated, "I am not the only one you serve, Cross."

She took a sip of water and looked at the butler, "But also my twin brother."

Bastien Cross stared at the lady with a serious expression for a short moment then smiled, "Of course, after all, I am the Head Butler. It is only natural that I serve all of the members of the Midford House." he explained.

It was slightly vexing for Cross that he could imagine a smirk forming on Alexandria's lips despite wearing her usual expressionless face.

"That is exactly why I am not expecting you to be loyal to me. You serve many people, I would not know which one you truly side with."

"Of course, it is you. I will remain by your side forever, My Lady." Bastien Cross answered.

"How can I believe the words of someone who is not loyal?" Alexandria asked and rested her cheeks on her hand while looking at Bastien Cross.

"I am truly loyal to you, My Lady."

"You are in denial."

"I am most loyal to you, My Lady." the butler insisted.

"Most means there are still others, Cross."

Another silence filled the dining room as Bastien Cross tried to figure out what to say, or whatever was going on in the mind of the lady in front of him. "I am not sure what kind of an answer you are expecting of me, My Lady." he said.

During the years of his service, he never once truly figured out how the lady thinks. It was a puzzle that could not be solved, let alone the words in a code that was impossible to decipher, even for him.

"I am sure you already have an idea of what I want, but you are avoiding it to be mentioned." Alexandria said.

The smile on Bastien Cross's face vanished and he could no longer put up the smile he used in his pretense. "I do not know what you mean, I verily have no idea of what you are thinking of at this moment."

"Is that so?"

"Indeed it is."

Alexandria stared at him, not a single blink. It put pressure on the butler as sweat started to break out on the side of his forehead. "What is your guess, Bastien Cross?"

Alexandria was stubborn and not one who would back out or believe people's words. If she thinks you are lying, then she will stick to that judgment until it is truly proven to be wrong. He cannot escape the lady who seemed to have strings to his brain.

Although it was true that he does not know what the lady wants, he had a slight guess of her plan. But if he mentions it...what if it leads to him being questioned for loyalty? Even if he wants to avoid it, he will need to tell it eventually because either way, he will be thrown away by Alexandria.

Being in denial would only make her suspicions grow. "My Lady, could it be…" he started, making Alexandria look at him while awaiting his next words.

"You want me to be your exclusive butler? A servant that serves only you?"

Alexandria stared at him in silence, the way he looked at him only confirms that he was right. But being the servant that serves only one would have a big sacrifice to make. But is Bastien Cross ready for such sacrifice?

Alexandria Midford only has limited power in the Midford House. Marquess Anthony Midford is the one who holds all power because he is the master of the House, the same would apply to the child he favors. His son and the twin brother of Alexandria, Alexander Midford.

'Being an exclusive butler would mean that I have to stop serving the other members of the family.' Bastien Cross thought. "You…" he muttered then sighed and smiled as he realized he would fall deep in both answers he would give, which means he had no better option to begin with.

Even before he knew that the lady would soon rise up and prove to everyone that she was worthy. If that happens, she will have the power of Midfords. If he chose to refuse and continue serving the Marquess and his son, then Lady Alexandria will no longer accept him. But if he stepped down now and became a servant to Alexandria, he would lose his power and the support of the Marquess.

He smiled and covered his face, trying not to laugh hysterically. He had no choice. Cruel, truly a cruel lady Alexandria was. "Cruel...do you not have a heart, My Lady?"

"I do have a heart," Alexandria responded, "But if it is empathy you want, I do not have it."

Alexandria stood up and faced him, "Now, choose." she ordered.

"Are you willing to step down as the Head Butler and serve me, or keep your 'temporary' power as you serve them?"