Chapter 2

I woke up feeling unusually refreshed for the first time in a long while. I took a bath, wore the simple blue dress Lea had ironed for me, and styled my hair up the way she showed me.

“This feeling is new,” I thought to myself. “Is it because I’m no longer locked away, or is it this strange, quiet peace inside me?”

“Ciana, breakfast is ready, dear!” Lea called from downstairs, her voice warm but hurried.

I rushed down and found the other maids already eating. The sun was beautifully golden that morning, casting light across the dining hall in soft streaks. For the first time, I noticed the beauty of this place—not just its size, but the warmth in its quiet corners.

“Sorry I’m late...” I said, a bit breathless.

Lea looked up and smiled, although her eyes hinted at slight stress. “It’s alright. Just eat quickly. Miss Aurora will be up soon, and we need to serve her on time.”

I sat beside her, quietly eating a piece of bread. After a moment, I leaned toward her. “Lea... Who exactly is Miss?”

Lea paused and shrugged lightly, sipping her tea. “You’ll find out soon. It’s better that way.”

After we finished eating, Lea moved quickly to warm the water while I arranged the tray as she showed me, placing the teapot, cups, and small pastries just as she liked. There was a rhythm to it, a quiet kind of care.

Then, we made our way into the main mansion. We climbed a grand staircase that curved like a ribbon and passed countless doors until we arrived at one that stood out—not just because it was large, but because it seemed to glow in the morning light.

“This is her room,” Lea whispered.

She knocked gently. A few seconds passed, then the door opened.

A woman stood before us who looked shockingly like Lea. Identical, in fact—except her presence was colder, her gaze sharper.

“You’re five minutes late. Lady Aurora’s tea is likely cold now,” the woman said, looking pointedly at the tray.

“I apologize,” Lea said calmly. “There was a small delay. It won’t happen again.”

Then the woman turned to me.

“Wait... You’re the one the Duke brought from the auction, aren’t you?” she said loudly, her words drawing the attention of the others in the room.

I froze. Before I could say anything, another voice, soft yet commanding, filled the space.

“Lily, mind your tone. I didn’t choose you as my personal maid to speak for me.”

Lady Aurora stepped into view like a painting brought to life. Her golden hair shimmered like sunlight itself, and her skin was pale and perfect. But it was her eyes—clear, ocean blue—that held me captive for a moment too long.

“Lady Aurora,” Lea said quickly, bowing her head, “forgive us for the delay.”

I bowed too, my heart pounding. I could feel Lady Aurora’s eyes settle on me, studying.

“So... this is what my Lord spent so much gold on?” she said softly, almost to herself. “What could you possibly be worth?”

The words stung, but I stayed silent, unsure whether to speak or disappear.

Lady Aurora turned and walked toward her bathing room. “Lily, prepare my bath. The rest of you, out. I don’t wish to be disturbed.”

As we were gently ushered out, I looked once more at the woman who had nearly the same face as Lea. Twin sister, I thought.

Lea and I walked silently down the long corridor. Her expression was unreadable for a while. Finally, she glanced at me.

“You’re alright?” she asked gently.

“I think so...” I replied, though my mind was full of thoughts I couldn’t voice yet.

“You must have many questions,” she said.

“I do.”

She smiled faintly, her steps slowing. “Lady Aurora... she is the Duke’s wife. In public, at least. She’s highly respected among the nobles, and her standards are... well, let’s just say she doesn’t settle for less than perfection.”

I hesitated before asking, “Was that... your twin sister?”

Lea chuckled softly. “Yes. That was Lily. We don’t talk much anymore. But that story’s for another time, alright?”

“Alright,” I nodded, even though curiosity buzzed inside me.

Lea turned serious again. “If there’s one thing I must tell you, Ciana—it’s this: Be cautious around Lady Aurora. She notices everything, and she never forgets.”

I swallowed hard. “I’ll be careful.”

The day moved quickly after that. Madam assigned me various tasks—polishing mirrors, sorting fabrics by texture, even arranging flowers by color tones. Every instruction mattered. Every detail had to be exact. It was as though this house ran on invisible threads of control and expectations.

By evening, I was exhausted. I stood in the courtyard, catching my breath under a fading sky when a tall figure stepped out from behind the archway. He was dressed in black, his silhouette sharp against the dusky light. His presence stopped time.

Lea turned, and I saw her expression shift instantly. “That’s him,” she whispered.

My heart began to race.

It was the Duke.

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