As promised, Jacqueline wouldn't dine without Benjamin. Helena worried she would go hungry, so she served her a late afternoon tea with colorful macarons and expensive tea.
Jacqueline passed the time by reading books in Benjamin's personal library and communicating with Madam Claire through Adam.
"I've been granted access to Benjamin's personal library anytime," Jacqueline messaged. But they seemed uninterested. Adam desired more from her new message. Then he replied, "If you can access his office anytime, that would be better."
Their conversation halted there. Now, Jacqueline paid no mind to Madam Claire's dismissive attitude and her assistant's. She worked for money and opportunity for her father, not for the recognition of an upper-class madam.
The sun was replaced by the moon, and lights in the room automatically turned on with light sensors. By the time Jacqueline finished reading a book on gardening, Benjamin hadn't returned. Unsure of what to do next, her attention fell on DVDs on the table, all classic films. She was curious but since they belonged to Benjamin and were not part of the library she was granted access to, Jacqueline set down the DVD and descended to the first floor.
The entire mansion was quiet; Jacqueline only heard greetings from the maids who happened to see her. Some maids informed Helena of her whereabouts. Helena promptly appeared in the living room, silently observing Jacqueline, who sat on the sofa, curious about the latest fashion magazines Helena had brought.
Per Benjamin's request, if he returned too late, Helena would have to serve Jacqueline dinner. Jacqueline had to dine before 9 pm, per Benjamin's command. Helena's task was to persuade Jacqueline to abandon her promise and eat dinner. She could, but she didn't. Instead, Helena simply announced that Benjamin would return very late and asked if Jacqueline wanted to dine now or not.
Of course, Jacqueline would wait for him, as Helena predicted. Helena didn't want Benjamin to wait for Jacqueline any longer and was willing to forsake Jacqueline's benefit for that goal.
She treated Jacqueline friendlier and kinder than anyone else in the mansion. But that didn't mean Jacqueline was her top priority. Everything she did was for her Master's benefit.
Flipping through colorful magazines, admiring confident models in trendy outfits, something stirred in Jacqueline's heart. Like any other girl, when she was young, Jacqueline was passionate about fashion, especially when her mother was still with them, inspiring her passion for fashion. Their closet was always full of fashionable items.
Of course, everything changed when her mother left with her twin sister. It was a tough time for Jacqueline. From a pampered child whose every whim was catered to, Jacqueline had to learn to stand on her own two feet.
Her father was too busy repaying debts. The remaining money was only enough for their meals. After their family situation worsened, she had to face giving up her beloved piano lessons. Jacqueline didn't want that. In the harsh life she faced then, playing the piano was the only thing that kept her sane.
But her father didn't have enough money for that hobby. Jacqueline was haunted by her father's sad and helpless eyes when she asked him about the tuition for piano lessons.
She made a bold decision, selling everything she could to the children in the neighborhood they had just moved into. Fashion magazines, beautiful clothes her mother bought her... but the jewelry would be sold to adults because they were willing to pay her a good price.
Still, Jacqueline was grateful she had enough money for her piano lessons and her precious piano wasn't sold even though it was truly valuable.
Jacqueline smirked bitterly at what happened next. A few months later, she had nothing left to sell, and her father fell ill from overwork for a long time.
She accepted that she couldn't go to any piano lessons anymore and tearfully begged her father to sell her precious piano.
In return, her father had enough money for the hospital fees, and she had a nice meal at a modest restaurant.
In the following days, she had to learn to be content with becoming a bookworm.
Jacqueline fell asleep while reading magazines due to hunger and exhaustion. Before her eyes closed completely, she wondered when Benjamin would return.
At 11:30 at night, an Audi approached the mansion. Despite knowing who was inside the car, the guard still required the driver to declare information.
It was Benjamin's special request for the mansion's guard. Everyone had to be thoroughly checked before entering the mansion.
Passing the careful inspection, the car slowly advanced into the mansion and stopped only a few steps from its main door. Benjamin stepped out of the car with Helena's welcome. Weariness mysteriously appeared in his eyes. But when Helena announced that Jacqueline was still waiting to dine with him, a glint of joy and satisfaction flashed in his eyes.
"Where is she?" Benjamin asked as he handed his vest to a maid.
Helena respectfully replied, "In the living room, sir."
Benjamin wasted no time, heading straight to the living room and seeing the girl lying on the sofa. Her once neatly tied ponytail now loosened. Her face was serene.
"Lady refuses to eat more after the late afternoon tea," Helena reported.
His eyebrows momentarily furrowed as he realized she fell asleep from exhaustion. But somewhere in his mind, satisfaction surged when she persisted in waiting for him.
Sensing Benjamin's gaze, Jacqueline's eyelashes fluttered, then she opened her eyes, slowly sitting up.
Her innocent face upon waking made a spark ignite in Benjamin's cold heart.
Seeing him, she startled, "Sorry, I didn't know you were back."
Benjamin smiled, approaching her, the confusion evident in her eyes vanished when his hand gently touched her hair. Jacqueline didn't know what Benjamin would do to her, but she was ready to accept it. Her beautiful eyes flickered over to Helena and then to Benjamin. If they were to make love here, would Helena leave, Jacqueline wondered.