Unwelcomed 05

The shrill voice of Erica echoed in the air; her face etched with horror as she stared down at her hands. The wound on her face was deep enough to leave a scar. 

Sabriah was held back by Gilbert's servants, they tried to stop her from doing any more damage. She had enough of Erica's lifted chin, she needed to bring that lowly maid down in her place.

Cailina focused her attention on Sabriah, her emotions displayed on her face. Before Sabriah got out of the grasp of the servants. Gilbert entered the scene and hugged the weeping Erica. 

His eyes burned with rage, "Leave."

He lifted Erica and spared not a glance at the frightened Sabriah. His coldness was a stab in the heart for her, she was abandoned by her husband to be, never tried to understand her side. Everyone was against her.

Lai wiped his nonexistent sweat on his forehead. He was too invested in the story that his heart raced with every line. He looked beside him and saw Fione with a complicated expression. 

The play ended with the two characters having the happy ending they deserve. Gilbert left his duty to his brother and lived a life in the countryside with Erica. 

Cailina patted her hands and stood, "Did you enjoy the play?"

She asked, her eyes staring intently at Aris. The puppy was at a loss whether to answer truthfully or add in a small lie, but his heart knew that he greatly enjoyed the play. It seemed that his Lady disliked it. 

Aris pursed his lips. He was hesitant to reply, he doesn't want to make Cailina dislike him too. 

"Did you not?" 

Cailina smiled and wasted no time leaving the theatre. She breathed in the air outside as it was suffocating to stay and endure the uninteresting play. 

She was the only one that found the story dull. The three of her companions were moved almost to tears by it. They did their best not to show that their heart was moved. 

They wouldn't risk angering their master. Whatever she liked, they would too; and if she hated something, they would loathe it with all their hearts. 

Cailina turned around and almost caught them wiping their eyes. She raised a brow and got closer; the trio retreated with their heads already lowered. 

"Why—"

Lai interrupted her before she could ask about their weird behavior. He smiled and said, "How about we take a look at the shops that my Lady's in charge of?"

She narrowed her eyes but eventually nodded. It would be the perfect day to take one last inspection to the shops her father gave for her eleventh birthday. 

For the first time, Aris was grateful for Lai's quick thinking. He wanted to meet the actor behind the character, Gilbert. He was amused by the emotions Gilbert showed. 

He contemplated for a while and ended in the conclusion to meet him. Aris looked at Cailina, waiting for the perfect moment to temporarily separate from the group. 

Cailina saw Aris' fidgeting hands. She halted and faced her puppy who seemed to have something to say. She wanted to make his day the best, she would agree to whatever he wished right now. 

"Do you want something?" she asked. 

Aris snapped his head up, his eyes sparkling. He clasped his hand together and said, "May I roam around by myself, my Lady?" 

Cailina blinked, her confusion displayed on her face. She looked t Lai, maybe her attendant had said something to Aris. 

Her questioning look made Lai nervous as he shook his head in denial. He wasn't aware of what the dog has in mind. Why was he always the one being questioned?

"Where do you plan to go?" 

Before Aris could reply, Lai interrupted and said, "I will stay with our Lady. Fione can accompany him."

Cailina knitted her brows at the smiling Lai, he appeared as if he would not accept to be left alone with her puppy. Well, considering that the two never got along, it would be best to let Fione watch Aris. 

She wouldn't risk losing Aris in the sea of people.

She nodded and told them that she would wait at a tea shop. She wanted to try something new and decided to go to one of her shops. 

Aris didn't oppose her arrangements. He happily blended in the crowd while Fione followed him. They were gone in a blink of an eye. 

Lai looked at Cailina in disbelief. He was surprised to see her agree to be separated from her beloved puppy. Unaware of Cailina's raging thoughts about why Aris wanted to enjoy the day by himself. 

Cailina sipped the tea in peace, she nodded to herself. It was good tea. She took a bite of a cookie and glanced at her attendant who has been silent the whole time. 

He was standing with a stoic expression. His straightened back made him look like a wise gentleman, but to Cailina, Lai was a being with his mind underwater.

She placed down the cup and cleared her throat. Lai immediately went to her side with worry on his face. He was instantly handing a tissue to his Lady. 

Cailina lips tugged downwards as she brushed off his hand away. They were in a disguise, but he acted as he was supposed to be with a noble. She wanted not to stand out as Aris was uncomfortable with too much attention on him. 

"Join me for tea," she said, signaling the server to fetch another set of refreshments. 

Lai tilted his head; he was conflicted by her statement. Was there something to discuss?

Cailina folded her arms and stared back at him, "Why do you look surprised?"

Her attendant shook his head and smiled as he took the seat opposite to his Lady.

Airs looked behind and saw Fione's expressionless face. He wanted to hurry to the theatre, but Cailina's maid might tattle him to Cailina.

He stopped and faced Fione, "What do you think of the play?"

Fione was taken aback but shyly nodded. She made it clear with her gestures that she also enjoyed the story. She was afraid that it would displease Cailina if she showed interest in the play. 

Aris smiled. He continued heading towards the theatre. His heart quickened as he saw a familiar crest at the corner of his sight.