Chapter 13: Chapter 13
Henny's Point of View
"I'm really excited about Lady Peneloppe's wedding. Did you see the gown she's going to wear? Isn't it beautiful?" one of my companions said while we were organizing things in the guest room.
"Yes, it's absolutely stunning. The Duke truly loves Lady Peneloppe," I replied as I left with the white curtains and headed to the laundry.
I stopped when I saw Peneloppe and Duke Felix holding hands. I quickly bowed my head and stepped aside.
"You can raise your head." I looked up at Duke Felix and flinched as I saw his hand reaching towards my ear.
"I'm just going to get the cotton from your hair," he said, showing it to me without looking back as he walked away. I noticed an annoyed expression on Peneloppe's face as she watched the Duke.
I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was different about Duke Felix. Why was he acting so concerned in front of me? I left and returned to the guest room to continue my work. A little later, I finished and saw them walking through the garden, which was visible from the guest room.
I recalled what he had told me earlier, and I couldn't help but laugh at his words.
Flashback
After speaking with Ronan, I returned to his chamber. He approached me and held my shoulders.
"From now on, you are no longer my exclusive maid! I've replaced you," he grinned at me.
"Why? Didn't you say you would watch my every move? Are you backing out?"
"What do you think of me, foolish? Can't you see that Felix has feelings for you?" I frowned at his statement.
"Tsk! Why is your thinking so narrow-minded, my lady?"
"How do you explain his saving you, huh? Why is Felix being so nice to you? Are you trying to seduce him, Henny?" My expression turned serious at his words.
"Watch your words, Peneloppe; if you're not careful, I might just cut your tongue."
"I'm just speaking the truth!" she shouted back at me.
"Stop it!" I slapped her cheek and pulled her hair to bring her closer.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Peneloppe." I tapped her cheek lightly.
"If that's truly your suspicion, then fine. You can replace me as your maid, but don't accuse me of trying to seduce the Duke. You might not like my reaction, Peneloppe." I held her jaw firmly before letting go.
"Remember that."
End of Flashback
So now I'm no longer his exclusive maid and have been assigned tasks here in the Duke's mansion. Thankfully, this job makes it easier for me to execute my plans.
Just wait, Duke Felix; I'll show you how painful your actions have been for me. Just seeing you makes me want to stab you in the chest with a knife.
"Henny, please take this," said the head maid.
"Sure."
We are busy inside the mansion preparing for the upcoming engagement party of the Duke and Peneloppe, so I stepped outside to find some beautiful flowers in the garden.
I looked for Ronan but couldn't find him. Where could he have gone? I wondered as I continued picking flowers. I gathered various blooms and handed them all over. Even though I'm angry with Peneloppe and Duke Felix, I'll still do my job well.
"I think it would look better if you also picked some bird of paradise," I was startled to see Ronan leaning against a post nearby. He smiled and approached me, taking a flower from my hand and surprising me by placing another flower behind my ear.
"It suits you," he said.
"Why are you so weird today?" That was all I could say because he wasn't usually this affectionate with me. He just laughed and ruffled my hair.
"Maybe... Besides, I'm telling the truth; it looks good on you." He took the flower from me.
"I'll carry it for you," he said as he ran off with it.
"Hey Ronan, give that back!" I chased after him but he was too fast! I stopped to catch my breath while he seemed unfazed, waving the flower at me playfully.
"Return that! I'll get scolded because of you!" I complained.
"I'll take care of it," he laughed. Tsk! Is he crazy or something?
"Will you return it or not?" He shook his head, which only irritated me more.
I ran quickly and almost caught up with Ronan when I tripped over a stone. It felt like I'd fall flat on my face if not for Ronan grabbing me, causing us both to tumble together. To my surprise, our lips brushed against each other. We both froze before I quickly stood up and pinched him.
"How rude!"
"I didn't mean to! Believe me!" His ears were bright red as he looked at me nervously. My expression turned cold as I stared at him seriously.
"I'm sorry Henny! It won't happen again; please forgive me!" I noticed his distress, so I approached him.
"I'm sorry..." My words surprised him; then suddenly tears rolled down his cheeks. Maybe I'd been too harsh on him after all.
"Can I hug you Henny?" He asked while clenching his fists in front of me. When did Ronan become this emotional with me?
I decided to hug him; maybe he just needed comfort. But what surprised me was how full of love and longing his embrace felt.
"It's okay; you'll get through this Ronan." I hugged him back tightly.
Duke Felix's Point of View
"It's okay; you'll get through this Ronan." To my surprise, Henny hugged me too. It felt warm; I hope she never finds out my secret.
"I really miss you," I whispered softly so she wouldn't hear.
"You seem fine. Let's meet up later; I've got work to do." She nodded and left my sight.
"If only you knew that I'm not really Ronan. Would you still treat me well?" It was a foolish question but one that lingered in my mind... If she knew... then I'd ask for her forgiveness—even if she told me to end my life; I'd do it without hesitation because I love her more than myself.
I cried silently; it's pathetic for a man to cry... but when you're in despair, sometimes crying is all that eases the pain.
I used to be heartless until Henny came into my life—not because she was the only woman who despised me but because I allowed myself to develop feelings for her naturally.
"I'll let myself fall for you; it was a big mistake but know this: I'll never tire of loving you until my last breath, Henny."