Anne's mind was still trapped in the kitchen.
The whispers.The knife.The word medicine.
Her chest felt tight just thinking about it.
She turned to look at her young miss, who was standing in front of her—alive, safe, smiling—and warmth flooded Anne's heart, mixed with guilt and fear.
Don't worry, young miss… I'll protect you no matter what, she promised silently. I swore it to your mother. I won't fail you.
"Thea?"
Anne flinched when her shoulder was gently shaken.
"I've called you three times already," Thea said, brows knitting together. "Are you okay?"
Anne forced a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"Ah—yes, Lady. I think I ate too much earlier," she said, pressing a hand to her stomach and pretending to wince. "That's why I feel dizzy."
Thea didn't look convinced.
"You're pale," she said softly. "That doesn't look like a stomachache."
Anne quickly turned her gaze away.
"N-No, miss, it's just that I carried you inside earlier and—ah—well, that's why," she stammered, scrambling for excuses.
Thea crossed her arms slowly.
She knew Anne too well.
Whenever Anne lied, she avoided eye contact.
Why would she lie to me? Thea wondered.
"Because…?" Thea pressed gently. "Because what, Anne?"
Anne panicked.
"Because I want to apologise!" she blurted out. "Yes! That's it! I forgot to bring you your coffee earlier and I felt bad!"
Thea sighed, rubbing her temple.
"Anne… I know you're lying," she said quietly. "I don't know why, but I know you are. And whatever it is, you don't have to face it alone."
Anne's throat tightened.
"If something is wrong, tell me. Please."
Thea's voice was calm—but there was worry underneath it, real and sincere.
Anne clenched her hands.
"No, miss… I'm not lying," she insisted, though her voice shook.
Thea looked at her for a long moment.
Then she exhaled slowly.
"Alright," she said. "I'll let it go—for now."
Anne's eyes widened.
"But please," Thea continued, stepping closer and holding her hands, "if there's ever something you can't handle alone… tell me. You're family to me."
Anne's vision blurred.
"Thank you, young miss," she whispered. "You don't know how much that means to me."
Since the hospital, Thea had changed.
It wasn't just maturity—it felt like someone who had already lost everything and was trying desperately to protect what remained. Anne could feel it in the way she spoke, the way she looked at people now.
It's like a new soul lives inside her, Anne thought.
And it made her want to protect Thea even more fiercely.
But then—
The image of Alfred holding the knife flashed in her mind.
Her smile faded.
"Miss," Anne said carefully, her tone suddenly serious, "can I ask you something?"
Thea nodded.
"From now on… please only eat and drink what I prepare for you," Anne said firmly.
Thea blinked. "That doesn't sound like a request."
Anne froze.
She hadn't expected that.
Her heart raced as she scrambled for a reason—any reason.
"Please," she said suddenly, grabbing Thea's hands. "Just… promise me. I'll get jealous if my young miss eats someone else's food."
Thea stared at her for a second.
Then she laughed softly.
"You're really strange today," she teased. "But fine. I promise."
Anne exhaled in relief and clasped her hands together.
"Thank you, miss."
She smiled—but guilt lingered.
I'm sorry for hiding it from you, she thought. But until I have proof… I can't risk your life.
Unbeknownst to Anne—
She had already been noticed.
And the truth she was hiding… would soon put her in grave danger.