The bathroom door swung open with a soft creak, releasing a cloud of warm, lavender-scented steam into the room. Nat emerged looking refreshed, her medium-length hair still damp and gleaming from the wash. Droplets of water clung to the ends, catching the light as she moved. Her slim figure, wrapped in soft trackpants and a simple full-sleeve hoodie, radiated a comfortable, cozy energy that matched her bright mood perfectly.
She practically bounced across the room, her carefree light steps showed that after all the happenings, her mind is clear now, her heart was overflowing with happiness. She first checked on the sleeping figures sprawled across on the bed. Satisfied they were all resting peacefully, she skipped over to Subordinate Woman with an excited grin plastered across her face.
"Do I look cute?" Nat asked, doing a little spin to show off her casual outfit. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she waited for approval.
Subordinate Woman glanced up while organizing a diary, her expression softening into a warm smile. "Yes, it suits you well," she replied, nodding with appreciation. Nat was contemplating a lot after her realization, Zack faithful love for her made her careless and many times she oversteps her boundaries in front of other people. Like her wearing sexy outfit in front of Zack made her bold to wear similar types of less sexy but cute outfits in front of others… but now she wants to be exclusive to Zack only... hence her asking for Subordinate woman approval because she wants to get better…. for him.
Subordinate Woman reached for a diary on her lap and handed it to Nat. "Here, read through the details of today's meeting from our side. I will take me some time to bathe, so give it a good look. You can add your own notes into it if anything comes to mind."
Nat accepted the diary with both hands, nodding eagerly. She skipped over to the end of the bed and settled herself there, positioning herself where she could keep an eye on everyone while she read. Her legs folded beneath her as she flipped open the first page, immediately absorbed in the contents.
Subordinate Woman watched her for a moment before heading into the bathroom, closing the door behind her with a quiet click.
.
Meanwhile, across the district, chaos erupted at Oliver's estate.
"WHAT THE FUCK! WHY IS OUR GARDEN BURNED?! WHAT HAPPENED HERE?! IS EVERYONE OKAY?!" Gracie's voice rang out like a bell across the charred remains of what used to be a beautiful garden. She grabbed Emmy's arm, practically dragging her toward the main entrance with frantic energy.
Emmy's eyes swept over the property with careful observation, taking in every detail despite her racing heart. "So, this is the shampoo bastard's house" she thought, trying to keep her composure even as her surroundings overwhelmed her senses. The estate was grander than she expected, though clearly it had seen better days. Her hand unconsciously clutched at her chest, right over her heart, as if trying to hold the pieces of herself together.
"I'll just greet him and thank him, then take my little ones back. That's it. You already gave up, so don't make things awkward!" Emmy repeated the words in her mind like a mantra, steeling her resolve. The thought of seeing Oliver's face again made her stomach twist into uncomfortable knots, but she refused to let it show.
"ANYONE INSIDE?! IS EVERYONE OKAY?! YOU GUYS AREN'T DEAD, RIGHT?! HELLOOOO!" Gracie pounded on the heavy wooden door with both fists, the sound echoing through the courtyard.
CREAAAKKK! THWACK!
"Owww!" Gracie yelped, rubbing the top of her head where a sharp pain suddenly bloomed.
"Geez, you've become the lady of the house now. Behave properly from now on," Head Maid scolded, having appeared in front of her like an assassin to deliver a firm but affectionate knock to Gracie's skull.
"HEAD MAID! DON'T LECTURE ME THE VERY SECOND I ARRIVE! IS EVERYONE OKAY?!" Gracie protested, still massaging her sore head while trying to peer inside the partially opened door.
"Hey, Gracie came!"
"She's here!"
"Wow, congratulations, Gracie!"
"Young Master told us everything! From now on, you're the Madame of the house!"
"Such a promotion! Can I get one too?"
"Gracie! We're so happy for you!"
Suddenly, a flood of maids burst through the doorway like a dam breaking, surrounding Gracie in an enthusiastic swarm. They pulled her into a group hug, laughing and cheering for her. The butlers appeared behind them, giving her a respectful nod of congratulation with a huge smile on their faces.
"Waaahh! Waaahh! YOU GUYS ALREADY KNOW?! KYAAA! IT'S SO EMBARRASSING! WHY IS YOUNG MASTER SO... MOOOOO!" Gracie squealed, her face flushing bright red. She ducked behind Emmy, using her as a human shield while trying to hide her mortified expression.
Emmy's eye twitched in annoyance. "You loud-mouth woman, don't drag me into this! I'm already embarrassed enough just being here!" she thought, though her lips remained pressed into a tight line.
The group's attention shifted to Emmy all at once, their curious sharp gazes poke Emmy all over her body.
"Ahem... greetings. I'm Princess Maid..... My name is Emmy. I came to pick up the little ones," Emmy announced, trying to maintain her professional composure despite feeling like she was under a microscope.
The staff members stared at her intensely for a long moment before suddenly huddling into a tight circle among themselves, their voices dropping to urgent whispers.
"Well... that was awkward."
"Knowing Young Master, he probably proposed to her many times, right?"
"Yeah, for sure! Doesn't that mean Gracie is her rival?"
"But they look close?"
"Did Young Master say Miss Emmy accepted him?"
"No, he didn't mention that."
"Then she must be jealous, right?"
The group turned as one to stare at Emmy again, studying her expression.
Emmy's eye twitched more violently. "I can hear you guys, you know," she muttered internally, her jaw clenching.
The staff formed their circle again, completely shameless.
"Yeah, she does look angry."
"Maybe she came here to beat him up?"
"Her body doesn't look that strong though. Do royal maids carry weapons?"
"Of course not!"
"So, there's nothing to worry about then."
"Love sure is complicated."
"How would I know? I'm single."
"But I'm married."
"You're married????!!!"
"I'm hungry."
"Hmm, the food's still cooking. Did someone stay behind to watch it?"
"Hmmm, I don't think so."
"Yeah, thought as much."
"Who was putting out the fire in the backyard?"
"Me, me!"
"Then why are you here?!"
"What about the little ones?"
"Me, me!"
"Who was preparing the bath for Young Master?"
"Me, me!"
"Cleaning Young Master's room?"
"Me, me!"
TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP!
Without warning, everyone scattered like startled birds, running to their assigned positions and leaving only dust swirling in their wake. The walls practically vibrated from the thundering of their footsteps, as if the entire structure might collapse at any moment.
Head Maid sighed deeply, shaking her head at their antics before turning to Emmy with a respectful bow. "Miss Emmy, please come inside. Young Master is in his study room," she said, her voice giving her a courteous respect showing her professionalism.
"I... I'm not..."
"OOOHHH, LET'S GOOO! YOUNG MASTER, I'M COMINNNGG!" Before Emmy could finish her words, Gracie grabbed her hand and yanked her forward, practically dragging her through the entrance.
Head Maid watched their retreating backs, a knowing smile playing at the corners of her lips.
As Gracie pulled her through the corridors, Emmy couldn't help but notice the condition of the house. It was far worse than she expected for a Crown family residence. Peeling paint, worn carpets, furniture that had been surviving at their last leg. The contrast between Oliver's always-shining appearance and his clearly struggling household struck something deep in her chest.
Emmy bit her lip hard, remembering the harsh words she'd thrown at him during the meeting. Guilt twisted like a knife in her gut, and now, seeing the reality of his situation, her heart ached with a pain she couldn't quite name.
They reached the study room in what felt like seconds.
BOOOMM!
"YOUNG MASTERRR!" Gracie burst through the door without bothering to knock, her eyes immediately finding Oliver buried under mountains of paperwork.
The transformation was instant. Oliver's frowning, exhausted expression melted away the second he saw Gracie's beaming face. He launched himself out of his chair and ran toward her, catching her jumping body mid-air. He spun her around in a wide circle, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist as Gracie threw her head back and laughed, her eyes locked on his with pure joy.
Emmy watched the scene unfold, and something inside her chest clenched painfully. Her fists balled up at her sides, knuckles turning white from the pressure. Her heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand. She couldn't bear to watch them together, so she turned her head to the side, staring at the wall instead.
"Why are you feeling this way? You already rejected him. Who he loves doesn't matter anymore. You're the one who said he's a playboy, so this shouldn't be a surprise. Just say your thank you and get going!" Emmy's internal voice roared at her, trying to drown out the confusing emotions swirling in her chest. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down.
She exhaled slowly and turned her gaze back to the room, only for her eyes to grow wider and wider as she realized Oliver was now directly in front of her, his face mere inches from hers.
"Hey there, beautiful. I told you that you should smile more. You look gorgeous when you smile. My heart can't stand seeing that frown on your face," Oliver said softly, his hand sliding around her back to pull her even closer. His eyes bore into hers with an intensity that made her breath catch in her throat.
"Thank you for your hard work today. And I missed you," he added with a wink, his handsome face breaking into that signature smile that made women weak in the knees.
"WHAT?! WHAT?! WHAT?!" Emmy's brain short-circuited as she slowly registered her position. Her body was pressed intimately against Oliver's, her breasts just an inch away from his chest, his hand resting possessively on her lower back. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING, YOUNG MASTER?!" she roared, trying to push him away.
But Oliver just smirked, his hands moving to grab her hips firmly.
KKYYAAAAAA!!!!
In one smooth motion, he lifted her effortlessly into the air, spun her around, and placed her on top of the nearby table.
THUMP!
Behind them, Gracie had already closed and locked the study door, now leaning against it with a mischievous smirk on her face.
"WHAT?! WHAT?! KYAAAA!" Emmy panicked, completely lost at what was happening. Her hands instinctively flew to his shoulders as Oliver cupped her face gently, his handsome features glowing in the dim light of the room. He stared deep into her eyes, his expression turning serious.
"I don't care what you think about me. You can call me anything you want. I don't care," Oliver began, his voice filled with sincerity. "I LOVE YOU, EMMY. I TRULY DO. I REALLY, REALLY LOVE YOU."
Emmy's mind went blank. She stammered, completely unprepared for such a direct confession. She'd never expected him to make a move like this. Disbelief painted itself across her features as she struggled to find words, her mouth opening and closing uselessly.
Oliver gently tucked a strand of her white hair behind her ear; his tender touch filled with his love towards her "And I can say this because Gracie helped me realize who I truly am. You're probably thinking that you were right about me... and maybe you are. But Gracie is different. She's been with me from the very start. She's been my life. I realized I've always loved her, I just never had the courage to accept it."
He paused, his gaze never wavering from Emmy's shocked face. "But I won't run away anymore. Not from anyone, and not from myself. I love Gracie, and I love you, Emmy. And I hope one day you'll realize that I mean every word."
Oliver gently lifted her down from the table, setting her feet back on the ground. Emmy's hands remained frozen on his shoulders, unable to process what just happened. Gracie bounced over and wrapped herself around Oliver's arm, giggling cutely as she snuggled against him.
For several long moments, Emmy stood completely dumbstruck, her mind refusing to react to anything. But slowly, reality seeped back in. She lowered her hands from his shoulders, her fingers immediately starting to fidget nervously. Her head dropped, unable to meet his eyes as she just stood there, rooted to the spot.
Oliver smiled warmly, stepping beside her so their shoulders touched. He reached out and pulled Gracie into a back hug, his arms wrapping around her waist as she melted into his embrace.
Gracie beamed, launching into an animated retelling of the day's events. Her loud, cheerful voice filled the study as Oliver responded occasionally, nodding or adding comments. Emmy stood close to them both, just listening in silence, her emotions a tangled mess she couldn't begin to unravel.
Their conversation only ended when a sharp knock echoed through the study.
TAK TAK.
"Come in," Oliver called out.
Gracie and Emmy instinctively tried to put some distance between themselves and Oliver, but he was having none of it. His left arm kept Gracie secured in the back hug while his right hand grabbed Emmy's waist, pulling her flush against his side so her body pressed against him. Emmy looked up at him in surprise, but he just smiled sweetly at her. Her feelings were such a chaotic whirlwind that she couldn't decide whether to push him away or accept the contact.
Youngest stepped into the room, her eyes taking in the scene before landing on the two flushed faces of the ladies. She giggled sweetly, clearly amused.
"Young Master, your bath is ready," she announced politely.
"Hmm? Why are you here? I told you I'd come to your house for dinner," Oliver asked, tilting his head curiously.
"Ah, Young Master, I thought you'd be exhausted after today's ordeal. And I was worried about everyone, so Grandmother and I came here with food. I thought since we're family, I should show my gratitude to everyone," Youngest explained with a sweet smile.
"Huh? Grandmother came here too? Geez, why did you trouble her?" Oliver released both women and stepped forward, gently flicking Youngest's forehead with his finger.
"Where is she?" he asked.
"Ow! Ow!" Youngest rubbed her forehead while pouting adorably. "In the kitchen."
Gracie patted her head comfortingly as they all followed Oliver out of the study.
The moment they entered the kitchen area, Emmy was hit with a wave of warm, delicious aromas. Spices, roasted vegetables, simmering broth, all mingling together into something that made her mouth water. She watched the kitchen staff laughing and talking while they worked, completely at ease with each other. The atmosphere was lively, just like a normal family supposed to be.
"Is this how Oliver's people work in the house?" she wondered, her eyes drawn to Oliver's back as he walked across the room.
He knelt gracefully in front of an elderly woman sitting in a chair near the hearth, giving instructions to a young cook. Oliver spoke to the grandmother with gentle respect, thanking her for coming and for her kindness. The old woman smiled warmly, patting his head and offering him her blessing with heartfelt words.
Oliver then pulled Gracie forward, introducing her properly. Gracie immediately wrapped the grandmother in a warm hug, then bowing her head to receive the blessing with genuine reverence.
Then Oliver turned and called Emmy over.
"Huh? Me?" Emmy hesitated; her heart was screaming to not go but there was another scream deep inside that made her not move an inch from her rooted feet's.
But suddenly a warm hand pressed against her back, pushing her forward gently. She glanced behind her and saw a maid with a baby strapped to her back, holding a cooking utensil in one hand. "Go on. There's nothing wrong with receiving a blessing from an elder," the maid said kindly.
Emmy's feet moved on their own, carrying her forward until she stood before the grandmother. She bowed deeply, her heart pounding.
The grandmother nodded approvingly and placed her hand on Emmy's head, giving her blessing. "Young Master, both of these ladies are very beautiful and clearly very talented. I wish you all the happiness in the world, and I hope you treat them with respect and dignity," she said, her voice filled with wisdom. She continued speaking, offering more advice and well wishes as the three of them listened and nodded respectfully.
After leaving the kitchen, Oliver led Emmy to a large room where the little ones were playing.
"Ah! BIG SISTER!"
"SHE CAME!"
"BIG SISTER! THERE WAS A HUGE FIRE!"
"YES, YES! AND BOOM! YOUR HUSBAND CAME AND SAVED US!"
"IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!"
"WE ATE A LOT HERE!"
"YES, BIG SISTER! IT WAS SO TASTY!"
"I NEVER HAD FOOD LIKE THIS BEFORE!"
"BIG SISTER, YOUR HUSBAND'S HOUSE IS SO BIG!"
"WE RAN AND RAN AND RAN BUT NEVER FINISHED EXPLORING!"
"SO MUCH FUN!"
Emmy was instantly swarmed by excited children, all talking over each other as they shared their adventures from the day. She saw the genuine happiness shining in their faces, and her expression softened completely. Her entire aura transformed as she settled onto the huge bed, letting the little one's pile onto her lap and around her shoulders. She listened patiently to every single story, nodding and asking questions, never showing even a hint of annoyance despite the overwhelming noise.
"She's amazing. And somehow…. she is looking more beautiful" Gracie whispered, watching Emmy with something close to awe. The way Emmy's cold, silent personality melted into this gentle, nurturing presence took Gracie's breath away.
"Isn't she amazing?" Oliver agreed with a chuckle, reaching over to pinch Gracie's cheek playfully.
"NOT MORE AMAZING THAN ME!" Gracie huffed, puffing out her cheeks before diving into the group of children herself. She started playing with them with boundless energy, matching their enthusiasm perfectly. Within minutes, she had more kids crowded around her than Emmy, all of them drawn to her infectious cheerfulness.
Oliver looked at the complete contrast between the two women and smiled, his heart feeling fuller than it had in years.
PAT PAT.
He looked down to see a sweet little girl tugging at his pant leg. She jumped up and down excitedly, her words came out broken. "SSSSEEE! SSSSIIII! UURRR! WWWAAIIFFF?"
A boy on a wheeled board rolled up beside her, his thin, weak legs resting on the platform as he pushed himself forward with two cylindrical objects. "She's asking if that loud-mouth lady is your wife," he translated her words.
"Hmm, she will be!" Oliver bent down and nodded with a grin.
"HHNNN! BBAAGGGG! SSSEESSTRRRR?" the little girl asked, pointing at Emmy.
"Yes, I'll also marry your Big Sister Emmy. We'll have a huge family and live together happily!" Oliver spread his arms wide to emphasize just how big.
"BAGGG!"
"YES! BIG!"
"Hehehehehe!" The cute girl started jumping around in pure joy, then ran over to Gracie to share the exciting news.
"Hmm, did you propose to Big Sister?" the boy on the board asked, his tone surprisingly mature for his age.
"I did."
"You got rejected?"
"Yes."
"Not giving up?"
"Nope. Never."
"Good job."
"I don't need encouragement from a kid," Oliver said with a mock frown.
"Get used to it."
"Rascal."
.
After quite some time, Emmy finally extracted herself from the pile of children and approached Oliver. She bowed deeply, her expression serious. "Thank you for everything, Young Master. As promised, I'll take them back now. We won't need..."
"Shhhh." Oliver's raised her head up and made his finger pressed gently against her lips, cutting off her words.
Before she could react, his expression turned grave. "Before you start talking nonsense, I have bad news for you."
Emmy's entire body tensed, her gaze sharpening with worry. "Did something happen to our orphanage?" she asked, her voice tight with fear.
"Yes. It was destroyed. I sent someone to check, and they confirmed it. I'm sorry, Emmy," Oliver said sadly, his eyes filled with genuine regret.
"Sighhhh..." Emmy rubbed her forehead, her mind already racing through options. "This is a problem. Where am I supposed to take the little ones now?"
"Emmy, stay with me," Oliver said firmly giving her a way out immediately not even giving her a second to worry.
"NO! I CAN'T!" Emmy shook her head immediately, her resolve crumbling under the weight of guilt. She couldn't take advantage of his kindness any more than she already had.
"With the money my kids help me earn from your business, I can get a house in a few months. Until then, I'll figure something out," Emmy insisted, still shaking her head.
"Emmy..."
"No, Young Master."
"Please."
"Sighhhh... Young Master, why are you being so stubborn?" Emmy's eyes started to glisten with unshed tears. "I'm sorry for the words I said before. I never knew about your circumstances. I'm really, truly sorry."
She bowed deeply, her voice cracking. "I rejected you and said those awful things. I don't deserve your help anymore. Please, just let me go. I can't... I'll never be able to pay back your kindness. I'm sorry."
Emmy turned away quickly, not wanting him to see the tears threatening to spill down her cheeks.
"KYAAA!"
Before she could take more than two steps, Oliver grabbed her arm and pulled her in the opposite direction. Gracie, seeing what was happening, immediately followed them.
"YOUNG MASTER! WHERE ARE YOU TAKING ME?! LET GO OF ME!!" Emmy struggled against his grip, but his hand was unyielding on hers.
Oliver stopped in front of a door that was slightly ajar. He stared at it with eyes full of sadness and old pain rose up in his mind.
"Gracie probably already told you that I lost my parents," Oliver began speaking with a low broken voice. "Truthfully, I don't even remember their faces clearly anymore. But I do remember a promise I made to myself."
He turned to look at the door, his jaw tight with determination of something he promised himself long ago. "I, Oliver Coghian, will bring this house back to its former glory. Until then, I will never enter this room." He paused, letting out a bitter laugh. "But... hehe, so much time has passed, and I still haven't achieved it."
Oliver looked at Emmy, taking her hand in both of his and holding it tightly. "But Emmy, it's because of your little ones that I finally saw a path forward. I'm indebted to those kids. Please give me a chance to pay off my debt. Those children deserve a better future, a better life. Help me give that to them."
His eyes burned with sincere intensity. "You're not in my debt. But I am..... Emmy, you don't realize how much this means to me. This house, the people in it... I want to make this house great again, and your little ones gave me that chance. Whether you love me or not is a completely different matter. For now, I just want the help of those kids. And while you live here, you can decide whether I'm a man worthy of you or not."
Oliver's voice dropped with sadness. "Emmy, I'm also an orphan, just like those kids. Can't you just trust me once?"
Emmy listened to every word, watching the determination blazing in his eyes, the genuineness radiating from every part of him. After a long moment of internal struggle, she finally nodded. "Fine.... This is last time I will take advantage of your kindness."
"YESSS! THANK YOU, EMMY! I LOVE YOU!" Oliver swept her up into a crushing hug, lifting her feet off the ground.
THUMP!
"EMMY! THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING YOUNG MASTER!" Gracie tackled them from behind, wrapping her arms around both of them in an enthusiastic embrace.
"KYAAAA!" Emmy's face burned bright red as she found herself sandwiched between them. She could feel Gracie's chest pressed against her back and Oliver's broad chest against her own. The contact was overwhelming, intimate in a way that made her entire body heat up.
"LET ME GOOOO! SHAMPOO BASTARD! LOUD MOUTHHHHH!" she shrieked.
"NOOOO! HEHEHEHE!" they shouted in unison, only hugging her tighter.
.
Emmy followed behind Oliver in a complete daze, feeling thoroughly drained. Gracie clung to her arm possessively, not giving her any space to escape. Despite her exhaustion, Emmy found herself looking at Oliver's back and smiling without realizing it. Something warm and pleasant bloomed in her chest, pushing away all the weird emotions from the morning, all the nervousness after rejecting him, all the confusion and guilt.
The relief she felt at Oliver acting normal around her, at him still wanting her despite everything, it made her feel incredibly warm inside. She couldn't quite put her finger on what this feeling was, but she knew one thing for certain.
She was truly happy.
.
CREAAKKK! THUMP!
"Young Master went inside to bathe," Youngest announced as the bathroom door closed behind Oliver.
"Hehehehe!" Gracie's eyes lit up with mischief. She immediately dropped to her knees, bent down, and pressed her eye to the keyhole, trying to peek inside.
From across the hallway, the maids and butler watched the scene unfold with collective sighs.
"I thought she'd get better, but now she's even bolder."
"Indeed. I wonder if Young Master's decision was right."
"I think this house is doomed."
"Yeah, I also thinks so... What's the procedure for job placements in the new Effort system?"
"Don't know. It hasn't been announced yet. From what I hear, it'll be based on your skills."
"Hmm, I can do lots of things!"
"She can drink lots of alcohol without vomiting!"
"That's..."
"A skill for sure!"
"OW! OW! OW! KYAAA! EMMY! MY EARS! NOOOO! I WANT TO SEE YOUNG MASTER'S SEXY BODY! OW! OW!"
The staff watched as Emmy dragged Gracie away by her ear, leaving a trail of theatrical tears and protests in her wake.
"Hmm, the house is saved after all."
"Cancel the job search. This position is fine."
"Agreed!"
The staff dismissed themselves, returning to their duties with renewed confidence.
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END OF CHAPTER
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Author Blabbering
Despite working hard for many years, you will still fail....At that time, either you stand up and continue working hard or give up and accept mediocrity.....So, what will you do when that time comes???
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