3

Finally, Mary completed her tasks on the first floor. As she made her way towards the second-floor corridor, she exuded an air of calm and tranquility. Six years had passed since she first set foot in this grand mansion, and despite the initial animosity she faced, she had slowly won the hearts of the people within. Her quiet resilience had earned her their respect and friendship.

Lost in her thoughts, Mary suddenly heard a male voice, faint but distinct. Curiosity piqued, she followed the sound, her steps leading her closer to its source. And there, standing before her, was a young boy with blonde hair and piercing green eyes. Though his age seemed to be around 12 or 13, there was an air of nobility about him, even from a distance. Mary felt a strange familiarity, a nagging question tugging at her mind. "Hello, sir. Do you need something?" she inquired, her voice filled with genuine concern.

The young boy locked eyes with her, his gaze sharp and commanding, belying his tender age. " I came to see my fiancée, Lady Daisy," he replied, his voice carrying a childlike innocence that contrasted with his mature appearance.

Surprised by his presence and his connection to Lady Daisy, Mary couldn't help but wonder if she knew him. "You are Lady Daisy's fiancé? This is the second floor. Young Lady Daisy is waiting for you on the first floor, in my master's office," she informed him, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and confusion.

"I know," the young lord replied, his tone unwavering. Mary observed him for a moment, struck by the fact that despite his age, he exuded an air of self-assuredness and authority. But something about his demeanor hinted at a lack of understanding, as if he was oblivious to the implications of his actions.

Silence settled between them, stretching for what seemed like an eternity. Mary finally broke the quietude, seeking to guide the young lord. "Do you know the way to my master's room, sir?" she asked, hoping to assist him further.

"Of course, I know," he responded, his confidence undeterred. Mary couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle, quickly stifling it. "Why are you laughing?" he inquired, his gaze fixed on her.

"It's nothing, my lord," Mary replied, her voice gentle yet laced with amusement. She returned to her duties, resuming her cleaning tasks, while the young lord embarked on his own journey. Mary knew in her heart that he was likely to get lost, and she patiently awaited his return.

Time passed, and after what felt like an eternity, the young lord reappeared before her. "Hey, maid. I want you to accompany me to the room. It would be impolite if I were to go alone," he demanded, his words tinged with a touch of arrogance. Mary struggled to contain her laughter, her voice quivering as she responded, "Yes, my lord," her tone a delicate balance between respect and amusement.

She guided him through the corridors, leading him towards his destination. As they walked, Mary attempted to engage the young lord in conversation. "So, my lord, what is your name?" she asked, hoping to establish a friendly rapport. However, his response was dismissive. "Even if you were to learn my name, what would you do with it? You can address me as Lord or Prince," he retorted, his words dripping with condescension.

Annoyance flickered within Mary, his attitude grating on her nerves. "So, my lord, may I inquire about your age?" she pressed on, determined to create a pleasant atmosphere. But once again, his response was curt and dismissive. "You talk too much for a maid," he remarked, his words stinging with arrogance.

'what an annoying child' Suppressing her exasperation, Mary maintained her composure, guiding the young lord to their destination in silence.

They arrived at their destination, and Mary knocked on the door, seeking permission to enter. "Mary, you've come!" Lady Daisy exclaimed with joy. Mary addressed the lady, purposefully mentioning the young lord's earlier predicament, much to his annoyance. "Your Grace, the young lord was lost, but I found him and brought him here," she reported, relishing in the opportunity to tease him.

"I wasn't lost," the young lord retorted, his irritation evident. Mary couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at his assertion, silently disagreeing with him. The young lord courteously greeted Lady Daisy and took a seat in front of her. Meanwhile, Mary lingered by the open door, awaiting further instructions.

"Mary, aren't you going to come inside?" Lady Daisy inquired, noticing Mary's hesitation. "My lady, I actually have somewhere else to be," Mary responded politely. However, her master interjected, requesting that she instruct the maid to prepare the golden guest room. " You need to be hurry Mary" he said.

"Yes, Your Grace," Mary acknowledged, her surprise evident. The golden guest room had never been used before, not even by her master's relatives. As she lowered her head in a bow to her master, an eerie aura filled the room, sending shivers down her spine. She felt a sense of dread but couldn't comprehend why. she sensed a presence behind her, yet the man stood still, refusing to enter. Mary's instincts kicked in, and fear gripped her. She wondered who this person was she wanted to look but she felt fear. She felt like prey.

"Your Highness," her master addressed the man, further deepening Mary's trepidation. She wanted turn and she did. She turned her gaze towards him, locking eyes with his intense, striking golden eyes. Tears welled up in Mary's own eyes, overwhelmed by a flood of emotions. "Father, you've come," the young lord exclaimed. Mary continued to stare at the man standing before her, her heart pounding in her chest, she felt danger. Everyone in the room trained their eyes on Mary and the mysterious man. ( ? Mystery?)

In Mary's golden eyes, she saw her past as if she were on the brink of her death.

++++++Flash back+++++++

~~~~

"I made a mistake; that's all it was.

~~~

"Amara, will you marry me?

"Yes, I will."

~~~

"Are you sure ? He doesn't love you; he loves me!"

~~~

"Max, please let me go. I don't want to live like this."

~~~

"Do you love me? My love, I know you don't,free me"

~~~

"Mother-in-law, I did not kill my children! I did not hurt them. Someone tell me did they die?!"

--------+++++++++++++

"You can't be here," Mary whispered, her voice barely audible. Her voice trembled as she spoke, her fear palpable. The man approached her, his presence looming close to her ear. "Are you sure?" he whispered, sending chills down her spine. Mary, in a panic, tried to push him away and make a dash for her room. However, the man firmly grasped her shoulder, preventing her escape. "Not anymore , Amara" he uttered, his tone filled with certainty.

In a desperate attempt to free herself, Mary reached for a hidden knife and aimed it towards him, intending to fend him off and flee to safety. After she did , she began to flee. And the man swiftly turned to his companion at his side. "Capture her," he commanded, his voice authoritative. "Yes, sir," came the obedient reply.