The Lunch Date      

I had expected the lunch with Lina to be quick and casual, nothing worth dressing up for, so I opted for a simple shirt and jeans as I stepped out of my room.

But no sooner had I left than Sophie appeared, standing firmly in my path like a soldier on guard duty.

"My lady," Sophie's voice was tense with forced politeness, "where are you going?"

"It's none of your business," I dismissed her, brushing past without a second thought.

But Sophie, ever persistent, proved more irritating than usual.

"Lady Sophia has instructed me to stay with you at all times," she insisted, trailing me with determined steps.

I shot her a glance, eyebrow raised. "What, are you my bodyguard now?" My words came out sharper than I intended, but I couldn't help it.

The idea of Sophie shadowing my every move was almost laughable.