22

"You look beautiful, Your Grace," May said, addressing her friend with a formality that felt strange to Amara.

Amara glanced at the mirror, seeing her reflection alongside the shocked expressions of her friends behind her. They had once shared a job as maids, but now they seemed uncertain, unsure of how to react to the situation surrounding them. They felt like minor players in a scene they couldn't comprehend and chose to remain silent.

Amara didn't respond to May. She had become a noblewoman in a day, and the role of maid had vanished quickly. Even her friends struggled to recognize the aura she now exuded, as if she had always been a duchess.

Amara longed to leave and forget everything here, just as she had run away from her family before. But deep down, she didn't want that. It was hard.

She looked at the mirror again. In the blue dress, with her hair elegantly styled, she knew she looked beautiful. This was the beginning of her old—new life.

Turning to May, she said softly, "Thank you."

A knock sounded at the door, followed by it swinging open. The maids were surprised, but Amara was not; she knew her husband had this habit. When the door opened, their eyes met. Annoyed, Amara said, "Knock first."

Max looked at her. "I already did," he replied.

The maids exchanged glances, surprised that Amara could speak to him like this. To them, Max was a frightening figure, yet here she was, addressing him directly.

"I said knock first," she insisted.

Max stepped back, knocked again, and waited.

Amara turned to one of the maids. "Let him in," she instructed.

Max stepped inside and looked at Amara. "You look beautiful as always," he said with a charming smile.

Amara turned to the maids. "You may leave," she instructed. The maids bowed and exited the room.

As they left, the conversation began among them.

"Mery looks and speaks just like a duchess. How didn't we notice this?" one maid exclaimed.

"Do you know why she left, May?" another asked.

"I have no idea," May replied.

"What about Meg?" the first maid inquired.

"I don't know," May said, shaking her head.

"But did you see her? She looks so elegant!" another chimed in.

"Right? Unbelievable," one of the maids agreed.

"By the way, the duke looks so handsome but scary," another noted.

"I know, right?" May responded with a chuckle.

"I wish we could talk to Mery one more time," one maid said wistfully.

"Yes, I'm going to miss her," another added.

"Me too," they all echoed.