CHAPTER 14
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Meanwhile, behind a garden bush, Maid Bethany is being bullied. Just as the maids attempt to lay more hands on her, Yancy Wil steps in to shield her.
Yancy: Enough!
The bullies halt.
Yancy: And what, may I ask, seems to be going on here?
Maid Sophia: Now you're here to protect her? You really are disgusting. (To Bethany) This guy's just toying with you.
Yancy: I beg your pardon?
Another Maid: If it weren't for your motive towards Mr Kamen, I would've fallen for you.
Yancy: {😅 Well, please don't.} Hold on—motive? Ah, right. So that's it. You all hate me because you think I'm after Sir Kamen. This is simply a misunderstanding.
Another Maid: That's what they all say.
Maid Sophia: And you, Bethany. You support him in his disgusting plan—
Maid Bethany: (Shivering) No! I didn't, please!
Yancy: Ladies, do forgive me, but I'm going to need you all to—
Maid Sophia: (Glares at Bethany) We'll finish our discussion another time. I'm sure your stepsister would love to hear it.
Maid Bethany: (Eyes widen in fear).
The maids leave.
Yancy: Are you alright?
Maid Bethany: (Silent)
Yancy: {No reply.} Here— (pulls his coat) wear my c—
Maid Bethany: (Devastated) No! This is all your fault! Just stay away from me!
She pushes Yancy Wil onto the grass and tries to run away in tears, but Yancy catches her hand just in time.
Yancy: Wait! I don't understand…!
Maid Bethany: 😭💢 Leave me alone!
Yancy: No, please.
He quickly hugs her.
Yancy: (Softly) Please.
Maid Bethany: 😭
Yancy: Please don't run.
The crying maid hugs him back, and Yancy Wil kisses her forehead in consolation.
Unbeknownst to them, Mr Kamen watches the entire scene from his study, his eyes narrowing.
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Later, in the living room.
Yancy: Young Lady, they are maids. Serving you is not included anywhere in my contract.
Azenor: {How dare he speak to me like that?} (Feigning repentance) You're right, Gentleman Wil. I'm terribly sorry.
Handmaid: Let me fetch you a cup of hot cocoa, Miss Azenor.
It is brought.
Azenor: Oh, Yancy Wil, my apologies for troubling you, but could you please pick up my pen?
Yancy: You can simply climb down from the chair, you know.
Azenor: Oh my, I cannot. This sofa was terribly hard to climb. Please help me 🙁 .
Yancy: (Exhales) All right.
Azenor: (Secretly smirks).
The moment Yancy bends to pick up the pen, Azenor "accidentally" tips the cup of hot cocoa, spilling it across his nape.
Yancy: (Trying to bear the pain) Ahh—
Azenor: Oh my! My hand slipped.
Mr Vajezatha Kamen walks past without sparing the scene even a glance. Maid Bethany enters and gasps.
Maid Bethany: Gentleman Yancy!!
This draws the attention of the Assistant Butler and several maids.
Assistant Butler: What has happened?!
He is shocked at the burn on Yancy's neck as Maid Bethany helps him up.
Some Maids: (Murmur).
Assistant Butler: How…? Fetch the Mansion Nurse immediately!
Handmaid: Yes!
Maid Bethany: Miss Azenor, how could you💢? He's a human—
Azenor: (Leaps down instantly) How dare you? How dare a maid question my actions—or a mistake, perhaps?
Maid Bethany: But this is too—!
Tiberius: (Snickers) You see? Daddy walked past and didn't even look at you. That means you're nothing to him.
Yancy: (In pain, voice cold) What? (Exhales) I see. (Stares with ice-cold disappointment) Don't make me give up on you, boy.
Tiberius: (Terrified) P-pardon?
Head Butler: Gentleman Yancy, kindly proceed this way. The Mansion Nurse shall attend to you forthwith.
Yancy holds Tiberius' gaze for a moment, then is supported away by Maid Bethany and others. Some maids murmur in sympathy; others snicker.
Head Butler: (Glaring) As for you, Miss Azenor… the Mansion Master has requested your presence.
Azenor: (Flinches).
The mention of Mr Kamen's title makes the maids scatter like ghosts fleeing a chapel bell. Azenor is escorted to a desolate corridor.
Head Butler: The Mansion Master awaits you in the Confinement Room.
He gestures toward the last door.
Azenor: (Gulps).
A suffocating silence—like that of a cemetery—settles upon House Kamen once again.
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