As Camille Dumonte entered the dining hall, head held high like a princess, everyone's attention turned towards her, captivated by her beauty and elegance.
Alexei Ashcroft stood up hastily from his seat, momentarily stunned by Camille's presence. She extended her hand toward him, a smile lighting up her face. He hesitated, his mind telling him to walk out. But he knew his grandfather will not be pleased.
"Alexei, nice to see you again," Camille said, her voice sweet and melodic.
He blinked, his voice tightening in his throat. Malcolm Ashcroft, Alexei's grandfather, chuckled. "Alexei, we all know that her beauty is captivating. But come on, don't keep the pretty lady waiting!" he teased, giving his grandson a gentle nudge. Chuckles erupted from around the table, the rest of the family's bright smiles depicting their excitement about the events.
With a deep breath, Alexei took Camille's hand, pressing a kiss to the back of it. The gesture didn't feel right, and as he stood there, he caught sight of Aurelia in the corner of his eye. She was watching, her expression downcast.
He tried to meet her gaze, but she avoided him, staring at her shoes again–a habit he had told her countless times to discard. Alexei started to step toward her, but Malcolm's grip tightened around his arm. "Stay put, boy," he whispered, a warning glance in his eyes and his tone threatening.
Alexei's heart sank, torn between respecting his grand father and going after his wife, whose eyes were glistening with unshed tears as she tried to act indifferent. A pang of guilt rushed through him. He had promised that he'll never let her cry, but now he couldn't even wipe her tears.
Aurelia's heart was aching, and she knew she couldn't watch anymore of such a scene. So, with her voice barely above a whisper, she turned to the maid beside her, "I'm going to fetch some water."
The young girl didn't pay her any heed, and she didn't care. Everyone's attention had been stolen by the most gorgeous woman in the world, and no one would care what happens to a lowlife servant like her. She scurried out of the hall, her feet taking her to her favorite place in Alexei's mansion.
The chilly night air hit hard against her skin, causing her to shiver as goosebumps spread like wildfire. The garden was a beautiful place filled with vibrant greenery and eye-catching flowers. Alexei had gifted it to her on their wedding day, amongst numerous other expensive gifts. She had never used any of those things as they never did appeal to her.
But not a day had gone by when she hadn't spent all her time in the garden, tending to the flowers and relaxing. Today however, all Aurelia felt was a suffocating sadness. She leaned against the stone wall, tears streaming down her face. Why does it hurt so much? she thought, it's not as if he has accepted. But she knew better.
Camille was everything she wasn't—beautiful, wealthy, fashionable, and most importantly, unburdened by a family curse. Aurelia's legs trembled as the familiar feeling of worthlessness rushed through her. I'm the daughter of the cursed maid, she reminded herself, slumping to the ground. I don't belong here.
"Are you okay?" a voice broke through her train of thoughts. Aurelia scurried to her feet, wiping any signs of crying from her face. She turned to see Gideon Ashcroft, Alexei's cousin, approaching her with concern etched on his face.
"It's nice to meet you," he said, offering a friendly smile.
"Yeah, nice to meet you too. Excuse me." Aurelia attempted to sidestep him, but Gideon stepped in front of her, his expression soft.
"Wait! Come on, I don't bite," he insisted, his eyes searching hers.
Aurelia hesitated. There was something genuine in Gideon's demeanor that made her pause.
"Just a few minutes?" Gideon pressed, and after a moment of pondering, she nodded.
They found a quiet spot beneath an ancient oak tree, where Aurelia loved to sit and read Jane Eyre daily.
"What's your name?" Gideon asked, breaking the silence.
Aurelia hesitated, knowing she is an Ashcroft, but she could not bear to use that name. "Sorensen," she finally replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Gideon's brow furrowed slightly as he processed her answer. "Are you the late maid's daughter?" he asked, his tone shifting from casual to serious.
Aurelia's face reddened, her hands clenching into tight fists. "Yes, I am the daughter of the cursed maid! My mother caused the miscarriage of Alexei's younger sibling, and now I have to serve here for the rest of my life as punishment! My brother has to serve as a guard for this family for the rest of his life—no freedom for either of us! Satisfied?"
Her voice broke as she finished, tears flowing down her cheeks.
Gideon stood silently, his gaze locked on her with an intensity that made her heart race. "I don't see you as a curse," he said softly. "Whatever happened that caused the miscarriage, it wasn't your fault. Even if your mother had something to do with it, you shouldn't suffer for that."
Aurelia met his gaze, searching for sincerity in his words. This was the first person to tell her it wasn't her fault after Alexei, and she felt a tug in her heart. As she cried, Gideon stepped closer, his hand moving to gently wipe away her tears. "You're beautiful Aurelia, you don't need to cry," he murmured, his gaze locking onto hers.
Aurelia's breath hitched as his fingers brushed her cheek, warmth spreading through her chest. For a brief moment, she felt different, a contrast to the feeling every other Ashcroft made her feel.
But their tender moment shattered as a voice echoed through the garden. "What the hell is going on here?!"
Aurelia's heart dropped, and she turned to see Alexei standing at the edge of the garden, his expression a mixture of confusion and anger.
Aurelia's stomach twisted in knots as she and Gideon exchanged glances, the air thick with tension. Gideon wondering why his cousin seemed angry and Aurelia wondering what Alexei was thinking.
As Alexei marched towards them, his heavy footsteps echoing through the garden, Aurelia felt sweat trickling down her spine. What is he going to do? She wondered.