HER SCENT
The cab screeched to a halt, spitting Hazel onto the curb like a discarded sweet wrapper.
She straightened her dress, smoothing down the wrinkles that had sprung up during the journey.
The setting sun painted the sky in hues of bruised purple and fiery orange, a stark contrast to the grey stone walls of stern's Manor that loomed in the distance. Her day off, a rare treat, had been spent visiting her ailing father.
Now, the familiar weight of responsibility settled back onto her shoulders.
Hazel sighed, the lingering scent of herself. which is lavender, a fleeting reminder of the peace she'd briefly enjoyed.
stern's Manor wasn't exactly known for its tranquility. It was a place of hushed whispers, long shadows, and an atmosphere thick with unspoken secrets.
she walked inside.
A chill, independent of the evening's cool air, permeated the space.
The only light came from a single flickering candelabra perched on a table near the grand staircase, casting long, dancing shadows that stretched and contorted across the walls. The usual hum of activity was absent.
An unnerving silence hung in the air, broken only by the faint tick-tock of a grandfather clock somewhere deep within the house.
she walked quietly to the kitchen.
there she found the other maids,seemly preparing dinner.
she walked in and greeted everyone. But Mira was the only one who responded cheerfully.
"Hazel, you are back". Mira exclaimed, more like in a whisper.
she tip toed to hug hazel.
Hazel was stunned, but she slowly wrapped her hands around Mira to hug her back.
Mira offered to help hazel with her bag But hazel politely declined .
She told the ladies she'll drop her bag quickly and come down to help.
"As you should" rose remarked.
Hazel smiled awkwardly and turned around to leave.
On her way to her room, she saw Mr.stern sitted on a sofa near the fireplace.
She contemplated whether to go greet him or to just pass quietly to her room. But in the end she decided to go to him.
She walked quietly to his side.
"Good evening Mr. stern" she greeted
but the response she got was cold silence.
hazel felt awkward and decided to leave. With a heavy heart she climbed the stairs to the her room.
Hazel placed her bag on a nearby chair and headed towards the kitchen.
Meanwhile back on the couch, Alexander suddenly felt disturbed by the scent lingering on that girl.
He closed his eyes as she walked away finally being able to breathe. Her scent disturbs him. He leaned his head against the couch with a deep frown settling on his face.