Diana stood up the instant she saw them and smiled
"I see, so my bitchy sister in law went out to have fun" she smirked and Elara gulped down saliva
"Were you looking for new d*cks to f**k, since you're not satisfied with my brother's" she said her face now cold and menacing, she then turned to face Miss Jane, she raised her hand and slapped her twice on the same cheek making the lady stagger
"Miss Jane" Elara gasped and held her
"How could you do that to her'" she asked facing Diana
"Oh, I'm being lectured by my sister in law" Diana laughed
"How dare a wh*re tell me what to do " Diana face turned cold and she made to slap Elara too
"Miss Diana" the butler's voice stopped her and she turned to face him
"You go upstairs my lady " he said and Elara nodded and headed upstairs
"What?" Diana asked rudely.
****
Elara walked to where Miss Jane was with the maids. She walked in the room quietly and observed the conversation going on.
Elara could feel the weight of the room settle around her. She felt for Jane. The other maids were vicious, cruel even, but Jane seemed to carry her burdens with dignity. It made Elara wonder what it was like for her dealing with people like Nina day in and day out, all while trying to stay true to her own sense of kindness.
"It's all her fault, you got slammed just because of her " Nina said angrily
"It's fine " Miss Jane smiled
"we told you the order is from young miss, you should have stayed away from her" lily another maid chipped in
"I just couldn't let her be, she's so pitiful" miss Jane explained
"No, she's a wh*re who deserved no pity" Nina retorted
Elara couldn't shake the feeling that there was something deeper at play here something that Diana wasn't revealing.
With shaky breaths, Elara turned to Miss Jane, who was still holding her cheek, but managing a small smile despite the obvious pain.
"Are you okay?" Elara whispered, her heart going out to the woman who had just tried to defend her.
"It's all my fault," Jane said softly, though her smile remained steady. "You're not the reason they hate you. It's just... the way they are. Don't let it get to you."
"What rubbish"Nina hissed and stormed out
"Nina" miss Jane called but she didn't answer
"Oh" miss Jane sighed softly .
But Elara couldn't help the sinking feeling in her chest. The way Diana had spoken to her, the way Nina had treated Jane was this just a taste of what life would be like here, in the Blackwood estate? Would it always be like this?
Before she could voice her concerns, the door to the room opened again, and a figure stepped inside. It was the butler, his expression stern as he glanced at both Elara and Jane.
"You're to head upstairs now, Miss Elara," he said quietly. His gaze flicked briefly to Jane before he nodded respectfully.
"Miss Jane, I'll take care of the situation upstairs. You've done enough for today."
Elara nodded, her heart still heavy with the confrontation. As she walked toward the stairs, she glanced back at Jane, who gave her a small, reassuring smile.
"Take care of yourself, Elara," Jane said softly, her voice filled with sincerity. "You deserve peace, even if it seems hard to find."
Elara nodded, her resolve strengthening.
As she climbed the stairs, the weight of the Blackwood estate and its household pressed down on her. But somewhere, deep inside, she held onto a shred of hope, hope that there was still kindness to be found, even in the darkest place
Days had passed since the confrontation with Diana, and something had changed.
Elara noticed it first in the small things.
Miss Jane no longer brought her herbal tea in the mornings. She didn't stop by to chat or ask her to join her on garden walks. The warmth that had once wrapped around Elara like a soft shawl had vanished, leaving a cold in its place.
At first, Elara tried not to think much of it. Maybe Jane was just busy. Maybe the duties of the estate were taking a toll. But when she passed her in the hallway one afternoon and Jane lowered her gaze, walking by without a word, Elara's heart sank.
Had she done something wrong?
Elara stood in her room, staring at the door, waiting for the familiar knock that never came. Each day passed slower than the last, her thoughts growing heavier. The silence of the house was suffocating, and even the maids who used to torment her now only offered cruel, knowing glances. She was alone again.