Chapter 7: One-Actor Theater

"You look tired. Have you slept badly?"

Noticing a slightly tired Veronica at breakfast, asked Bella.

"Can't sleep without a husband? You're so pampered." Margaret interjected her sarcastic remark.

"You're so perceptive, mother." Replied Veronica calmly, hiding a smile behind a cup of tea. "Once person feel the warmth of a loved one, then it is difficult to give up. It's amazing how the mother looks blooming despite the long absence of her husband. I have a lot to learn from you."

Silence.

Bella's eyes were round with wonder between Veronica and the housekeeper, who sat across one chair. The woman didn't react, but the air around the table was noticeably heavier.

"You have a lot to learn..." She repeated the last remark of the girl with a barely noticeable question. "Looking at you, I realize that the fame of the Rosenblatt family is overstated. What kind of arrogance is it to have to pass the responsibility for your own garbage on to innocent people?"

"Mother...!" Bella strained.

She became extremely uncomfortable in the society of people who constantly insulted each other. Bell understood Margaret's character, but the situation was too spicy. Her hands were trembling with tension.

"Tomorrow's tea party will finally take place. " She tried to translate the topic. "We will take care of the greenhouse, so let me order the gardener to tidy up the plant."

"Of course, dear." The woman's tone softened when she answered Bell.

Veronica was silent all this time. Staring into the golden liquid in the cup, she looked at her reflection. A red light shone in her eyes. "

«Garbage»

It's not the first time she has heard that in her address. From the lips of the father and the second brother, it sounded like more sensual than that, even reluctantly believed.

Funny.

The tear rolled down Veronica's cheek.

"Mother..." Her quiet voice was trembling. "I didn't know I was so disgusting to you."

She put the cup on the saucer and started to shake her hot tears.

"What?" - Margaret frowned in disbelief.

The girl got up with a squeak of a chair.

"Mother, I didn't do anything to you! Say it like I'm guilty of being born into this family!" Every word she said sounded more acute and emotional.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Still some misunderstanding woman.

"Milady!" Bella ran up with the girl, touching her shoulder.

Completely unaware of her, she turned away, continuing to look at Margaret.

"Do you think I have no heart at all? I thought we could be a family!" Notes of despair sounded in her trembling voice.

In her thin heels, the girl ran out of the dining room, wiping tears with her hands. Now it looked like Veronica was the victim.

***

The corridor was empty. Veronica took a deep breath, straightening her back.

"Ah... Now my head hurts." She moaned at the exit.

"You need to put on your makeup, my lady." Said Deya, not surprised.

All this time, Deya obediently followed her mistress, holding her right side.

"No need. I want to sleep a little. Give me some calming tea with honey."

"As you wish."

"Oh, yeah!" Said the girl, remembering something. "If Bella wants to see me, I'll take her after she sleeps."

"Understood."

***

When Veronica opened her eyes after a sweet sleep, the sun was already setting behind the window. She put on a white cotton robe and went to the window. The curtains opened wider, the shutters opened. Nice cool air poured into her face. The sky turned to coral. From the room there was a beautiful view. The breeze was blowing the crown of trees. The rustle of leaves reached her, comforting. Not so far saw the roof tiles of houses. Smoke was coming out of the chimneys.

Knock.

"Milady. Madam Bella to you." Said Deya on the other side of the door.

"Come in."

Bella came into the room.

"Can I give you some tea?"

"No need. I won't be long."

The maid came out after she had bowed. 

The girl was slow to approach Veronica, who was enjoying the view from the window.

"Your maid said you were sleeping." She began cautiously. "The last days may have seemed too hectic and exhausting. Leaving home to become a member of another family is hard. I understand." She smiled softly at Veronica, taking her hand tenderly. "My life changed in one day. I was studying medicine yesterday without any care, and today I am married to Denis Kir-Erdey. Everything was taken away from me."

Her words were sincere. Pain, frustration, bitterness and sadness for the past. Her eyes flashed, but she continued to smile.

"Mother treated me very cold and isolated until she found out about the pregnancy. I don't tell you to tolerate her words and actions in silence, but I want you to find what you like. I see myself in you, Veronica. You may have known me for a couple of days, but that was enough time to get attached to you. You're like the little sister I wanted.

She tried her best to suppress the quivering voice.

Veronica was in a great confusion. Why is she saying this? That's the kind of kindness? She didn't understand the nature of such feelings. But for some reason the unknown words made her breast warm.

"Then you shouldn't address me so formally. Call me just Veronica."

What's she talking about?

The girl's face had a big smile. Her feelings were totally in her head. Bella hugged her, letting go of her tears.

"Dear! Veronica, how glad I am! But I'm so ashamed!" She laughed. "I came to support you, and I'm the one who's crying! Oh yes! "She wiped her face as she stood back. "Tomorrow's tea party. Is everything okay? Should we reschedule?"

"No need! We'll have a look tomorrow. This is my first social event, I don't want to get in the mud. "

"Don't worry! I'll be there if you need anything." The girl winked. "I hope you have a good time."

Veronica nodded.

"Then I'll go. Rest well!" And she rushed to the exit.

"I'll come to you in the morning. You should look amazing!"

"Alright." Veronica smiled, embarrassed. "I'll wait."

The door closed.

The girl, hard-breathing, squatted like a balloon. Thoughts swirled in her head. She was ready for Bella's visit, but not at this turn of events. But isn't that better? Veronica has earned her full favor and trust.

Cold calculation. No regrets.

Interesting fact unrelated to story: Ethan served with Leon, but after receiving a serious injury on one of the assignments, he had to leave the service. Leon appreciated Ethan's analytical skills, so he offered him a job as his secretary.