An unexpected feeling

chapter 9

The next morning was bitterly cold. I was already awake but couldn’t bring myself to leave the warmth of the bed. I pulled the blankets tighter around me, shivering, before finally pushing them down. Too cold, I thought. I need something warmer.

I climbed out of bed and went straight to my drawer, pulling out my favorite long nightgown with long sleeves. I slipped it on, then sat in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. A small smile tugged at my lips as I remembered Lucius actually showing interest in me. But the smile faded quickly when reality crashed in—I was just a lowlife, a girl my father had practically sold to him. How could someone like Lucius ever truly like me? He came from high society, wielded enormous influence, and was deeply respected—even feared—by his workers.

The way they adored him made me wonder just how well-known he was in this town, or perhaps the entire country.

I took a deep breath and propped my left elbow on my knee, resting my cheek against my hand. He wouldn’t want someone like you beside him, I told myself. Even if he did, society would never allow it. His world and mine are too different.

A sudden knock at the door snapped me out of my thoughts. Is it Lucius? My heart jumped. I hurried over and opened the door.

“Good morning, madam,” the man said, holding a bag of tools. “Sir Lucius sent me to check on your water heater.”

“Oh—good morning,” I replied, craning my neck to peer past him. “Where is he?”

“I believe he’s in the living room. May I…?”

“Of course, come in.” I stepped aside to let the plumber pass, but a small voice in my head wondered: Is Lucius… shy around me?

After washing my face and brushing my teeth, I wandered toward the kitchen. Maddie was there, focused on her baking.

“Good morning, Madam Maddie,” I greeted, pouring myself a glass of water.

“Good morning, child,” she replied gently, not looking up.

I stood in the kitchen doorway, sipping my water, when I spotted Lucius in the living room—talking to a woman.

“Who is she, Madam Maddie?” I asked, curiosity burning.

Maddie glanced at me, smiled, then looked back toward them. “She’s a good friend of Lucius.”

“Are they… together?” The words slipped out before I could stop them. I stepped closer to her.

“I don’t know, dear, but she certainly seems interested in him.” Maddie finished preparing the tea.

I cleared my throat. “Oh. I see.”

“Here, take this tray to them,” she said, handing me the small tea service.

“Okay.” I carried it carefully into the living room. “Tea,” I announced quietly, setting the tray on the table and handing each of them a cup.

Up close, the woman was stunning. She wore an elegant red gown, subtle but expensive makeup, and her brown hair framed a flawless, very fair complexion. She smelled faintly of expensive perfume.

She smiled warmly as I gave her the cup.

“What is your name?”

“Rosemary, madam.”

“Are you a maid here?” she asked.

I swallowed hard and glanced at Lucius. He looked visibly uncomfortable.

“You may leave now, Rose,” he said quickly.

I nodded and turned to go, feeling her eyes follow me. Just before I stepped out of earshot, I heard her say, “She’s beautiful.”

I paused for half a second. Lucius’s voice answered softly, “Yes… indeed she is. Now, Sophia, back to business.”

A few minutes later, I slipped out to the back corner of the house. There, tied up quietly, was Lucius’s horse. I smiled—I’d always loved horses, even though I’d never really learned to ride one. I reached out and stroked its neck gently, leaning close to whisper in its ear.

“Don’t tell anyone, okay?”

The horse nodded its head as if it understood. I laughed softly. “Good boy.”

“You like horses?”

Lucius’s voice came from behind me. I turned, startled, and found him watching me with a small smile.

“Yes,” I said, looking back at the horse. “But I’ve never really learned how to ride one.”

“Really?” He stepped closer, standing in front of me now. “Maybe I’ll teach you someday.”

I smiled up at him. This morning, in the soft light, he looked even more strikingly handsome than usual.

“You’re not a maid,” he said suddenly, his tone serious. “You just live here… with me. Okay?”

I nodded, eyes wide, biting my lip as I waited—hoping—for him to say more about last night.

“About last night…” he began, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. “Well… uh…”

“Rosemary!” Maddie’s voice echoed from inside the house.

Lucius glanced toward the door. “I think Maddie needs you.”

“Oh—yes.” I blinked rapidly, disappointed but trying not to show it. “I should… go.”

“Yes,” he agreed, sounding just as reluctant. “Later, then.”

He turned, untied his horse, and led it away. I waved, and he waved back with a small, genuine smile before disappearing around the corner.

“Rosemary!”

“I’m coming, Madam Maddie!” I called, hurrying back inside

That night.

The storm was fierce. Rain poured down in heavy sheets, and the wind howled wildly, rattling everything in its path. I stood by the window, heart racing, unable to shake the growing worry that clawed at me. Lucius still hadn’t come home.

Oh God, please let nothing bad happen to him.

It was already far too late. Panic rising, I hurried down the corridor and ran straight to Madam Maddie’s room. Just as I raised my hand to knock, the door swung open.

“Child, what are you doing here? Is something wrong?” she asked, her voice soft with concern as she gently gripped my arms.

“Madam Maddie… Sir Lucius isn’t back yet,” I said breathlessly. “The rain is so heavy, and the wind—it’s terrible out there.”

She gave a small, reassuring smile. “I know, dear. But you mustn’t worry yourself sick. He’ll come back to us safe and sound, I’m sure of it.” She paused, then added gently, “Besides, this isn’t the only house he owns. He might be staying at a friend’s place to wait out the storm. Try to calm yourself.”

A slight cough escaped her lips as she finished speaking.

“You’re coughing again,” I said, frowning with worry. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

“Yes, dear, I’m fine,” she replied, brushing it off. “Now, you should go back to your room. It’s far too cold and damp out here.”

“What about you?”

“I just need to check something quickly in the backyard. I’ll be back in my room shortly.”

“Alright… but please be careful, Madam Maddie.” We nodded at each before we parted.

I turned and walked slowly back to my room, worried still heavy in my chest. Once inside, I shut the door, took a long, shaky breath, and sank onto the bed. I closed my eyes and whispered a quiet prayer.

Please keep him safe.

I didn’t fully understand why my heart felt so tight at the thought of him out there in the storm. But the feeling was undeniable—and growing stronger every day. I didn’t just care about Lucius… I think I was falling for him. Deeply. And this was no joke. I just want to see him every minute of the day.

Oh God, help me.

This was the very man I had despised with every fiber of my being—the same man who had taken me against my will, forcing his claim on me. And now, impossibly, I was falling deeply, helplessly in love with him.

The question is, does he feel the same way as I do?