Having just been deceived by Simon, Isabel instinctively shied away from interpreting Chris' protective gestures as romantic affection.
It must be because of Mr. Bernard.
Isabel cautioned herself internally.
"Don't get it twisted. Childe Chris only protects me because of Mr. Bernard."
*****
That night, Chris dreamed of the past, back to when Isabel first arrived at the estate.
A new maid was cleaning his room and accidentally broke his music box.
It was the only thing his late mother had left him.
At that time, Chris, only fourteen, didn't trouble the bewildered young maid. Instead, he sat alone in the garden with the broken music box in both hands, unsure of what to do.
Seeing him, Isabel curiously asked why he was sitting there alone.
Chris looked up to see the doll-like pretty
