Chapter 5

Evelyn followed William's footsteps toward his house. The grand mansion, towering with classic European architecture, looked magnificent—and foreign—to her eyes. But as they stepped up the stairs toward the main entrance, unease began creeping into her mind.

She clutched her bag tightly, her breath coming in shallow bursts.

“Sir… what about your wife’s feelings? Won’t she be angry or jealous if she finds out you brought me here?” Evelyn asked in a low voice, barely more than a whisper. Her face betrayed her fear—she didn’t want to be the cause of another woman’s heartbreak.

William stopped for a moment. He turned to look at her with a bemused expression. Then, unexpectedly, he burst into laughter—his voice cutting through the quiet night.

“I’ve never even been married, Evelyn. Why are you talking about a 'wife'?” he said, his voice dropping to a whisper as he looked deeply into her eyes. “Or... are you hoping to earn that title from me?”

Evelyn’s cheeks flushed instantly. Her heart thudded wildly. She lowered her gaze, trying to hide her embarrassment.

Amused by her discomfort, William held back a smirk. Then, with a commanding tone, he called out:

“Rosemary!”

A young woman with curly hair, dressed in a crisp uniform, hurried in from the kitchen.

“Yes, sir?”

“Treat this lady as you would treat me. Consider her my honored guest.”

Rosemary’s eyes widened. The words hit her like a slap. Her pride, which had long clung to silent hopes of gaining her master’s affection, shattered in that instant.

Is this the woman Sir William loves? she thought, rage bubbling in her chest.

Her eyes raked over Evelyn from head to toe—plain. Not particularly pretty. Too simple. Nothing special. But why… why was she getting this kind of attention?

With a forced smile and a dagger hidden in her voice, Rosemary stepped forward. Her tone was sharp and cold.

“And who exactly are you?” she asked curtly, staring straight at Evelyn.

Evelyn gave a nervous glance, trying to stay polite.

“I’m… I’m Mr. William’s personal assistant,” she replied softly.

“Just a personal assistant? Then why is Mr. William treating you like his lover?” Rosemary’s voice rose, her eyes stripping Evelyn bare.

“I… I don’t know. I just met him,” Evelyn answered, lowering her head, clearly uncomfortable.

Rosemary scoffed. She narrowed her eyes and sneered, “So… he picked you up off the street, huh?”

Thud.

The words struck Evelyn deep. She bit her lower lip, swallowing the hurt and shame.

Without waiting for a reply, Rosemary turned and marched off.

“You can sleep in the maid’s quarters,” she snapped.

Evelyn hesitated, watching the woman’s back, but she had no choice. She followed her down a long corridor toward the back of the house.

When Rosemary opened the door to the room, a wave of stale air rushed out. The space was dark, cramped, dusty, and cluttered with old boxes. Tiny rats scurried along the corners. Evelyn stepped back instinctively.

“Are… are you serious about putting me in a room like this?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Rosemary spun around, face blazing with anger. “And where did you expect to sleep? In Mr. William’s bed? Naked with him?!”

Evelyn quickly shook her head, holding her breath. She didn’t dare argue. Rosemary’s glare was terrifying.

“Just a personal assistant, yet already acting like you deserve everything? Don’t get ahead of yourself!” Rosemary snapped, folding her arms. “Clean this room. Then sleep here!”

Evelyn stared at the room, her eyes glistening with tears. Her hands trembled as she reached for a mop and broom. Slowly, she began dusting, clearing boxes, sweeping up the filth.

A rat suddenly jumped from beneath a pile of cloth, making Evelyn scream and fall backward. Her face turned pale, her breath caught in her throat.

“I… I’m scared… Please, Miss Rosemary…” she pleaded.

But Rosemary simply looked on in satisfaction. She savored Evelyn’s fear. A bitter smile curled on her lips.

“That’s what you get for trying to seduce Mr. William. I’ve worked in this house for years, given everything I had… and he’s never even looked at me!” Her voice cracked with fury and resentment.

Evelyn had no words. She could only cry silently.

But when she tried to get up and leave the room, the door suddenly slammed shut—and locked from the outside.

“No… Miss Rosemary! Please open the door! I beg you!”

No answer.

Evelyn grabbed the doorknob and shook it hard. “Please!! Miss Rosemary!”

Then, the lights went out.

Darkness. The squeaks of rats echoed from all directions. Evelyn sobbed in panic, her back pressed against the wall. Her body trembled violently.

“Miss Rosemary! Please! I’m scared… I—”

Her cries burst out. She screamed, bending over as if the fear was choking her. The darkness, the rats—it was all too much.

And just outside the door, Rosemary stood listening to her cries.

Her face showed no trace of pity.