Louis sat alone in the dim light, a glass of wine in his hand. The doctor's words echoed in his mind—his mother didn't have much time left. Silent tears ran down his face as he struggled with the pain of losing her.
After dinner Liliya gave her message that Louis wanted to see her.
"You can read. I will go and hear what dad has to say. Okay?" Verena asked.
"Yes." Benny nodded his small head.
"Good boy." She pressed a small kiss on his forehead and stood up.
Little Benny got shy and lower his head on the book in his hand.
On her way to the wine room, a loud crash made her heart leap.
She rushed inside and froze. Louis's hand was bleeding, glass scattered across the floor.
Without hesitation, Verena ran to him, holding his injured hand as blood stained her dress.
"You've ruined my favorite dress," Louis muttered, his words slurred from the wine.
Verena frowned. "What?"
"You looked so beautiful in it," he said, eyes fixed on her. "I just wanted to keep looking at you… now it's ruined."
Her heart skipped, his honesty caught her off guard. Their eyes met, and when his gaze dropped to her lips, her breath faltered. He leaned closer, intent clear.
For a moment, she froze. But then, with sudden resolve, she turned her face away.
Louis's head fell gently onto her shoulder, sleep overtaking him. Verena stiffened, then slowly exhaled. He wasn't himself… just drunk. She had made the right choice.
With care, she slipped an arm around him, guiding him out of the room and towards his chambers.
Verena spotted a maid nearby and asked for directions to Louis's room. The maid, Anna, looked surprised and when she noticed Louis leaning on Verena, a flicker of jealousy crossed her eyes.
"I can take Young Master Louis to his room, Young Miss. You don't need to trouble yourself. Young master is waiting for you downstairs." Anna offered.
But Verena's instincts bristled. She could sense the maid's hidden intention and, to her own surprise, felt a spark of jealousy herself.
"There's no need. I'll take him myself. Just tell me where his room is," she said firmly, glaring at the maid.
"I only offered because I thought you might not know his room." Her tone was polite, but Verena caught the sarcasm.
"I came only last night. This place is new to me. Are you telling me or not?" Verena snapped, irritation lacing her voice.
Anna finally relented. "Third floor, Room Six."
Following the directions, Verena struggled to find the room. When she finally did, the door was locked. Realisation struck, Anna had tricked her!
Anger flared, but Verena quickly shifted her focus back to Louis. She guided him into a nearby guest room, helped him lie down, and slipped off his shoes.
With a frustrated sigh, she muttered under her breath, "How big has he made this place? It's not like he has a dozen children."
His forehead was damp with sweat, leaving her puzzled.
He had a fever.
The intercom wasn't working, only adding to her frustration. Her hand trembled as she touched Louis's forehead, a gesture unusual for her, since she disliked physical closeness.
Why had she insisted on bringing him here? Part of her wished she had let the maid handle it, but her jealousy hadn't allowed it.
Walking to the bathroom, Verena retrieved two towels, dampening them with cold water. She returned to Louis's side, placing the towel on his forehead.
Watching him in silence, she couldn't deny how handsome he was. No wonder Ariana and even the maids admired him.
Her mind wandered… who would he truly love one day? Who would bear his children?
And then, another thought pressed at her heart. Where was Benny's mother?
Louis never spoke of her, and Verena never dared to ask. She only knew what Benny had once told her, he didn't have a mummy.