Chapter Six

Chapter Six

The Surprised, but curious staff

Simon, the Butler

Something was unusual.

Well, it wasn't just something. It was simply my master's odd behavior. But even then, calling it simple wasn't the right term to use for his unexpected change in behavior.

For years since Master was just a young boy, I had witnessed him each day, come back home from work, late in the night, only to rise up at the break of dawn and then rush off to his office, narrowly having anytime for his meals. Of course, as a servant, I had no say in this, only standing at the side and obeying the orders given to me.

But deep down, in prayer and blind faith, I hoped that there would come a day when young master would come to care for something aside from his work and his secret obsession. Something important like love and family...

I thought my prayers had been answered the day he got married. One look at the young miss and I could tell she cared for him deeply. If only he didn't send her away the very next day.

He was really cruel, even at such a young age. Provided, he had his reasons, but that wasn't my story to tell.

It's been three years, since then, and young master had never once even mentioned young miss before. So imagine my surprise when he asked if she was here.

It was the first time I ever saw him break character and inquire about something else aside from his work.

I felt the little glow of hope that had dwindled begin to flicker again. Had young master finally began to care for our miss? My masked slipped, but I composed myself before going on to carry out his orders.

The last time young miss had shown up was on young master's birthday, the last year, and she had religiously done so each year since she got married to him.

However though, young miss had shown up last night, a bag in hand. She had clearly stated her intentions to stay the night and wait for the young master.

I merely bowed, and decided to prepare a room for her. She had politely declined instead, asking me to lead her to her husband's room. She would wait for him there.

I had no idea how young master would react to this since his room was totally off limits to no one aside from myself and him, but with her being the mistress of the house, I followed her orders.

Shortly after, Miss Nicole, who was a close friend to both my master and mistress had later shown up. After two hours she left too, seemingly in a hurry.

Young master returned home three hours later, and of course naturally I filled him on the arrival of our mistress and that she was currently waiting for him upstairs in his room.

His little to no reaction didn't faze me, I was used to it. It had been the same reaction whenever I had brought her up in conversation. With a single eyebrow raised, he muttered under his breath, "I hope she's sleeping already. "

I stayed silent of course, continuing to serve him dinner and reporting to him everything I believed was important.

Finally, he rose from his table, having finished his meals and ascended to the stairs to his bedroom.

*****

Morning came fast, and when I was forbade entrance into the young master's room, I connected the dots. I was an old man, but I was no fool. It was obvious they had spent the night together.

I didn't know whether to feel elated or not. The young master was a man after all. It was either a one time thing or a lifetime. I was hoping for the latter.

Although latter than usual, the young master left for work and young miss followed after. She however, left with all her belongings.

I shook my head, knowing that my hopes would require a miracle to happen. But boy was I in for a surprise. Young master returned that evening, and right after he took off his coat and tie, he asked the one thing I didn't expect him to.

"Is my wife here? "

I was completely taken a back, but masked my surprise nonetheless. "She's not here. She left with all her things this morning. "

"Find her address and give it to me. "

He finally ordered after a short stretch of silence. I left to carry out my orders, and only returned only after a few minutes, handing him a note, her address written on it.

" Prepare my car. " I turned to follow through with his orders once again, before he stopped me in my tracks. "Pack an overnight bag for me too. "

"Yes sir. "

I was done within 10 minutes, and young master didn't waste anymore time, getting in his car. Madam Roses, the main housekeeper, stood beside me, silently watching.

"Don't worry. I caught up on the conversation halfway through. "

"Indeed."I nodded.

As I watched his car fade away in the distance, I muttered under my breath, " I hope this time, she's finally hooked him. "

"I hope so too. " Madam Roses replied with a slight nod, " I hope so too, but with young master's hardened heart, I don't know. You and I both know love is the only solution for him. "

"You're right, after all, a heart that can be loved is one that can be changed. Let's hope the young miss' love is enough. "