Freen's POV
We were now cleaning up the mess we made earlier from our childish flour fight. I was mopping the floor while Irin was brooming the flour on the floor. All four of us are cleaning the kitchen, including Miss Nam and Lady Rebecca, which is a rare scenario for a high-profile person. Miss Nam volunteered to cook us some food again. We spoiled the breakfast I made.
''Thank you,'' says Miss Nam.
''For what. Miss Nam? '' I ask, confused.
''For making her smile like this .'' She said , gesturing towards Lady Rebecca. I looked over at Lady Rebecca, who was giggling and covered in flour from head to toe. Seeing her happy made all the mess worth it.
''I will do whatever it takes to see that smile on her face again,'' I say determinedly. Miss Nam smiles at me appreciatively, knowing that our efforts in the kitchen were not in vain. Together, we continue cleaning up the flour and start planning for a special dinner to make up for the spoiled breakfast.
''I have never seen her this happy for a very long time since...'' Miss Nam spoke again but cut off by a thud sound on the kitchen door.
''What had happened here? '' We are all shocked to hear the voice coming from a male standing on the kitchen's door, looking so furious.
''Father'' Lady Rebecca quickly approached her father to explain but,
''And why are you looking like that? No one would believe you to be my daughter and a part of a noble family. You look so filthy. '' Mr. Armstrong glared at Lady Rebecca, his anger evident in his eyes. "I expect better from you, Rebecca. This behavior is unacceptable."
''What have they done to you? '' Lady Rebecca's voice trembled as she questioned her father, concern etched on her face. The room fell into an uneasy silence as everyone awaited Mr. Armstrong's response, their eyes darting between the two of them.
''Are you seriously asking me this? When am I the one who should be asking you that? Mr. Armstrong retorted, his voice filled with disappointment and frustration. "You have brought shame upon our family name with your reckless actions. I never thought I would see the day when my own daughter would stoop so low."
''Stoop so low? Where? What have I done to bring you shame, father? '' Lady Rebecca's voice trembled with a mix of confusion and hurt. Her eyes welled up with tears as she struggled to understand her father's harsh words. The weight of their strained relationship hung heavy in the air, leaving both of them searching for a way to bridge the growing divide.
''What have you done? Look at yourself right now.'' Her father's voice dripped with disappointment as he gestured towards her disheveled appearance. "You used to be a beacon of grace and elegance, but now you've become a mere shadow of that. Your reckless behavior has tarnished our family's reputation, and it breaks my heart to witness it."
''Tarnished? '' Lady Rebecca repeated it just to make sure she had heard her father correctly. The word echoed in her mind. The weight of her father's disappointment bore down on her, fueling a determination to prove herself worthy once again.
''Yes, you did the moment you ruined our agreement with the Maurer family.'' Her father continued, his voice filled with a mix of anger and disappointment. "We had worked hard to establish a strong alliance with the Maurers, and your reckless actions have shattered that trust. It will take time and effort to repair the damage you've caused."
Lady Rebecca shook her head with a bitter smile while looking down the floor with her gripping on her dress's silhouette. She couldn't help but feel a surge of anger rise within her, fueling her determination to prove her father wrong. Deep down, she knew that there was more to her than what met the eye, and she was determined to show him that she was capable of redemption.
''And all of this is just because I couldn't marry that evil, and Father, let me remind you that evil man brutally abused me and my handmaiden—''
''That wouldn't have happened if you didn't interfere!! '' Mr. Armstrong cut her off from speaking with a sharp tone. His face flushed with frustration as he clenched his fists tightly. The room fell silent, and the tension between them was palpable. I feel hurt just watching Lady Rebecca fight her father, even though I don't understand what they are talking about. However, he glanced in my direction, and I noticed hatred in his eyes for some reason.
'' YOU!! '' He shouted, which I now understand because he spoke in my dialect.
''Mr. Armstrong.'' I greeted him while I was holding the handle of the mop so tight.
He approached me.
''Why are you still here? '' He asked me.
I looked at him, confused.
''Didn't I tell you to get rid of her? '' Now he is talking to Miss Nam.
''Mr. Armstrong,I- uh'' Miss Nam, couldn't answer because she was too shocked by his sudden outburst. She stammered, trying to find the right words to respond to his question.
''Get out of here!! '' He grabbed my arm and dragged me towards the exit. I could feel the panic rising within me as I struggled to free myself from his grip. Miss Nam stood frozen, unable to intervene in or comprehend the situation unfolding before her.
'' Let go of her!! '' Lady Rebecca shouted something and snatched my arm away from his grip. As Lady Rebecca intervened, Mr. Armstrong's face turned red with anger. He glared at her, his grip tightening on my arm. I could see the fear in Lady Rebecca's eyes as she stood her ground, determined to protect me from his aggression.
''What are you doing right now, Rebecca? This woman should've been thrown out long ago. This woman's family took part in the poisoning of the king of the Ayutthaya kingdom. Keeping her here will only bring more trouble and danger to our household," Mr. Armstrong said, his voice filled with accusation. Lady Rebecca's eyes widened in disbelief as she processed the shocking accusation. She quickly responded, "Father, I understand your concerns, but we cannot jump to conclusions without proper evidence. Let us handle this situation calmly and rationally."
''Have you gone insane? Does this woman also poisoned your head now? ''Mr. Armstrong said furious.
''No! We don't even talk, and I don't even understand her dialect.'' Lady Rebecca answered frustratedly.
''Then why are you concerned about this lowly person? She is just another random maid you had. I can give you more maids far better than this?! Mr. Armstrong shouted back.
My arms are starting to get hurt already. I looked at Miss Nam, asking for help, as I don't understand what's happening right now.
''She's my friend.'' Lady Rebecca answered her father. I understand the friend part, as Kirk has taught me that when we still see each other, Is Lady Rebecca considering me a friend? Is this why she's fighting her father for me? I couldn't help but feel a sense of confusion and surprise. It seemed that Lady Rebecca valued our friendship more than I had realized, and she was willing to stand up against her own father for me. This revelation warms my heart and makes me even more determined to support her in any way I can. Being considered her friend is already an honor for me, though deep down my heart wants more.
''A friend? ''
''I am happy you found yourself a friend. I understand you never had a friend, but... a peasant friend. You have really gone insane.'' Mr. Armstrong looked at Lady Rebecca with judgment.
''Yes, father, she's my friend. I don't care about her social status or background. I want her to stay because she's my friend, like Irin and Miss Nam. "Lady Rebecca's voice trembled with emotion as she defended me. "I understand that you may not approve, but please try to understand how much she means to me."
Mr. Armstrong gripped in my arm loosening as he looked at Lady Rebecca like he was considering her words. After a moment of silence, he sighed and said, "I may not fully understand, but if she brings you happiness and treats you well, then perhaps I should give her a chance."
I don't know what he just said, but I saw how it lightened Lady Rebecca's face.
''In one condition.'' Her father added, in a stern voice but compassionate.
''I accept any condition you make; just don't throw her away.'' Lady Rebecca answered. I don't understand their language, but I can sense there is a bargain going on between them, and it's me who is at the center of it. I can't help but feel a mix of curiosity and apprehension about what this condition might be and how it will affect my relationship with Lady Rebecca.
''You will come with me the day after tomorrow to attend the party that the Maurer's are holding as a sign of truce, and by chance you will ask for their forgiveness upon you and the Maurer's delayed wedding because of your drama.'' Her father stated firmly, his voice carrying a hint of authority.
Lady Rebecca cast a doubtful glance at her father. She leaves the room without letting her father see the tears that start to form in her eyes because she can no longer endure the burden of their tense relationship. Her father's countenance softened as she walked away, showing a brief moment of sadness before he turned away.
''You have one day to decide, Rebecca.'' He added at the walking back of Lady Rebecca.
However, he glanced in my direction, and I noticed hatred in his eyes for some reason.
''Mr. LEE.'' he called Mr. Lee, who I only notice now is standing in the corner of the kitchen. He approaches.
''Yes, Lord Armstrong.'' Mr. Lee responded full of respect.
'' Bring this woman into the punishment room, and don't let anyone feed her until I say so. Lock the room and put a guard on duty. I want her to understand the consequences of her actions." Lord Armstrong's voice was cold and authoritative, leaving no room for argument. Mr. Lee nodded obediently and grabbed my arm to follow him. As we walked down the hallway, I couldn't help but feel scared of what's going to happen to me, knowing the harsh fate that awaited me in the punishment room.
''Oh, it seems like I missed a drama in the house.'' A familiar voice said. I looked up and saw Lord Nop with all his grace mockingly looking at me, and I looked down.
I don't know why he always has this hidden hatred towards me; since we were little kids, I don't even remember doing bad things towards him.
Mr. Lee hadn't said a word until we reach the punishment room.
''Don't do anything stupid to make the situation worst, Freen.'' He told before he let go of my arms and grabbed the lock of the punishment room , put a key on it and it clicks open.
''I didn't even do anything wrong .'' I just whispered looking down accepting my fate.
''I know, Freen. I am sorry but you have go in this room, and I have to obey what's been decided." Mr. Lee's voice was filled with remorse as he gently pushed me towards the open door. I couldn't help but feel a surge of confusion and frustration, wondering what had caused this sudden turn of events and why I was being punished for something I didn't even remember doing.
As he close the metal door I hold the metal bars of the punishment room and we look at each other eye to eye he has this emotion in his eyes like he knows a lot but not enough to explain it to me. I could sense that there was more to the story, but I had no choice but to accept my fate and wait for answers in this confined space.
'' Everything's is going to be fine , Freen . Everything is happening in god's timing, trust the process he might be allowing the impossible to happen for a reason," he said softly, his voice filled with a mix of reassurance and uncertainty. I couldn't help but wonder what exactly he meant by "the impossible" and how it related to my current situation. Despite his attempt to comfort me, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something much bigger at play, something beyond my comprehension.