17 FÜNFZEHN

"It is not that!" I exclaimed. He stood there, expressionless. I have gone too far. "I apologize, my Lord," I said, my head bowed in disbelief. In situations like these, I should keep my cool. He inhaled deeply.

"Wash up first. You will be sleeping here starting today, right?" I sighed. He then exited the building. I went to the bathroom and bathed myself in the jacuzzi, which could fit four people. Tears streamed down like waterfalls. "What does he mean?"

This does not sit well with me. I do not deny the graces he possesses. If I am going to be stuck here, even if he has everything, it will not feel the same unless there is love. I would rather be poor and have loved than rich and have no love. It is desolate. After a while, I showered and changed into a nightgown. I was expecting Theodore to be in the room, but there was no one there. I was about to fall asleep when I heard a knock on the door.

"Greetings, Miss Chen. My name is Lia Denzel, and I will be your right-hand starting today. Lord Theodore said he will sleep in his chamber, and he also told me to give you this." It was a folded piece of paper. I expressed my gratitude. So I will now have an assistant as well? It was beginning to feel strange. She then bowed and exited. A note was written on vintage paper with a quill based on the ink. His writing style was cursive. "Thank you very much,"

With a pure heart as blessed as nature, Strong enough to recover from disasters, steadfast in the face of perils and disasters, and capable of blooming even amid adversity,

What is the deal with him this time? I am sure life will be different in this Manor. Even in the smallest detail. Everything from eating to dressing to going outside to work. I am getting sleepy all of a sudden. I tucked myself into bed and fell asleep. As soon as the sun came up, time flew by.

The gleaming sun woke me up, and then I heard a knock. "Greetings, Miss Chen! Are you awake?" I asked after I fixed myself. "Yes, Miss Lia, please come inside," I said, and she appeared in front of me.

"Good day, My Lady! Please follow me to the closet. The Madame is already here; she will dress you today. Moreover, please call me Lia. You shall be the Lord's wife after some time. It would be best if you were comfortable now," she said before leading me to the walk-in closet. A middle-aged woman arrived with five female servants, just like yesterday. She forced me to step onto the platform in front of the mirror. "Greetings, My Lady. My name is Éva Devereaux, and I will be your Madame and dresser. Please relax; I will have you all ready for breakfast."

I smiled. I have an odd feeling. I have a job today; how should I make an excuse? I cannot say I will become Lady Chen overnight because I met Theodore, my colleague who turns out to be the Noble Lord and wants us to act like it. It is complete nonsense. I am hoping the Speaker will consider me.

"Lady Chen, you must wear the wrapper every breakfast. It is a comfortable gown worn in the morning while doing household chores or while breakfasting. It is not intended to be worn outside. The purpose of the wrapper is its modesty; it should be enough to be worn when an uninvited or unexpected guest comes by." She then made me wear the chemise. The corset was then layered. "Do not worry, My Lady. The corset is only necessary. No worries. We only intend the wrapper to give shape." I then smiled. Based on my facial expressions, I believe she read my mind. It is not easy to put on these dresses. It is heavy, and it is not easy to walk.

They then washed my face and gave me a rosewater mouthwash to use. The only details on the plain maroon gown were the gold lace outlines and gold floral design scattered throughout. It also had gold buttons, tied the corset tightly, let me wear the gown afterward, and tied a maroon ribbon around my waist to cinch it in. I was struggling to breathe.

They even used simple makeup: powder, blush, and a tint. I am grateful for my thick brows. They styled my hair into an updo, then into a bun with a floral ensemble, and the lowered part curled. Is this how I am supposed to dress every morning?

They led us to the Great Hall of the Manor as we finished. I noticed Theodore there. He was dressed in black slacks and a long-sleeved white polo shirt with a maroon suspender. Even he? I was helped to sit down by a servant. I sat to the left of Theodore at the table.

His parents arrived soon after. His father dressed similarly to Theodore, but instead of a suspender, he wore a maroon vest with a brooch. I guess his mother was also wearing the wrapper, which was plain gold. I know where Theodore's good genes came from.

"Did you two fight?" No one responded for a few seconds. Theodore then spoke up. "No, your Lordship; Mei is just having trouble around the house," he said to his father, looking at me. I was hesitant at first, but I still spoke.

"Your Lordship, the manor is just so big," I said, smiling. I am hoping he does not notice our deception. "Oh well, if you did fight, it is no longer my concern; calm down, you are not even married yet, and you already fought?"

"Understood, your Lordship," we all agreed. "Stop your formalities, Theodore, Mei; you'll become Lady Chen, Mei; you should call us, Mother and Father; you should train yourself," Theodore's mother said.

"Yes, Mother," I said, stumbling over my words. "Also, while you are at it, Theodore, bring Mei up to date; it should bring you both closer." Theodore nodded, and the Lordship and Lady left. We were the only ones left, and the atmosphere became awkward. We were both tense due to what happened the night before; we are all to blame; we were both at fault.