Chapter 3.5: Mary
(Mary's Side)
Mary observed Alfonso with a furrowed brow as his contemplative gaze fixated on her. She couldn't help but question the change in his behavior following last week's incident.
‹ Did it genuinely make him reflect? ›
She wondered, pondering the unexpected shift in Alfonso's demeanor. The memory of him touching a maid earlier replayed in her mind, contrasting sharply with the Alfonso she had known for years.
‹ He never let a commoner touch him since that incident three years ago, ›
Mary recalled, clenching her jaw at the haunting memory. The guilt in her eyes betrayed the weight of that horrible day, but she swiftly dismissed it from her thoughts.
Her musings turned to speculation about Alfonso's motives.
‹ Could he have found the maid beautiful? ›
She questioned but quickly abolished the idea given his unwavering affection for Valentina.
‹ No, Young Lord Alfonso isn't like that... especially not if he is so dead over heels for Valentina › Mary pondered, But as she was in her own world of her head.
Suddenly, Alfonso's gaze shifted to the window in awe, while Mary's eyes flinched when she noticed him. A sudden memory flashed in her mind — a period when Alfonso, at the age of seven, and she would clandestinely venture out at night. His father restricted him from being outdoors unless Alfonso lived up to his lofty expectations. In those days, Alfonso was a curious and innocent child.
That's why even though Alfonso was maintaining a sophisticated look, she could see in his eyes that he was delighted after spending so much time with him.
‹ Now that I think about it... He used to gaze out of the carriage window with such wonder. But ever since that incident happened he confined himself to his room, trying to meet his father's expectations. ›
A trace of sadness crept into Mary's thoughts, but a faint smile followed.
‹ But I'm glad he is not anymore... At least he's finding happiness again. ›
Looking back, Mary thought that it had been a long time since Alfonso looked happy, even though it was not visible to the eyes of the others.
Even his blood-related father would not notice it since he wouldn't even care if he was happy. He would only care if his son was an interesting one, someone who could fit his ridiculously high standards. But that care only exists because he needs someone to continue his bloodline or he needs to protect the one who'll continue their legacy.
‹ Perhaps Young Lord Alfonso is starting to change. › Mary thought, she didn't know why. But when she saw Alfonso not shout in anger today toward the new maid that stumbled in front of Alfonso, Mary's instincts were telling her that Alfonso was starting to change.
Because usually, Alfonso would shout at the maids around him if they ever made mistakes because of his extreme perfectionism and even kick them out immediately, or hurt them... but today, Alfonso didn't do any of that. He even helped the maid.
‹ Maybe Valentina's words last week made an impact, › she silently considered, cautiously optimistic yet not willing to let her guard down. Mary decided to observe him closely, knowing that true change doesn't happen overnight.
But when Alfonso finally turned his gaze back at her, she realized that she was still faintly smiling.
She then immediately eradicated that smile.
But her heart pounded when Alfonso just stared at him with silence and surprise in his eyes.
However, that moment was destroyed when they finally halted in front of a wealthy-looking mansion.
[It was Valentina's home]