Chapter SIX

“I can’t allow myself to be this weak. I have to stand up for myself,” Elodie thought to herself as Antoine walked her to her room.

She got to her room and fell asleep, having made a quiet resolution to be brave.

The next day, when she stepped out of her room to start the day, she heard singing coming from the kitchen. It sounded like Suzy.

She practically skipped forward and ran into her arms. “You’re here!” she exclaimed.

“I am. The boss called me last night and gave me directions here. He said you needed company and that he needed all the help he could get. I tell you, that man really cares about you.”

Elodie grinned, still staring at her friend’s face. “He did mention getting a new maid last night.”

“You look better,” Suzy said, glancing over her shoulder as she whisked a bowl of batter. “You were pale as a ghost the last time I saw you.”

Elodie chuckled softly, grabbing a dishcloth to wipe the counter. “I’m still recovering from the shock of being thrown into this new life. But… seeing you here helps.”

“I should hope so,” Suzy said with a grin. “Do you know how hard it was to find this place? Your boss gives directions like he’s hiding treasure.”

Elodie smiled faintly at the mention of Antoine. “He’s… particular.”

“Particular,” Suzy repeated with a snort. “That’s a fancy way of saying ‘brooding and bossy.’”

Elodie nearly choked on her laughter. “Suzy! He’s actually nice.”

“What? Don’t tell me it’s not true. The man practically scowled when he called me. I thought he was about to fire me before I’d even arrived.” She looked at Elodie with mock suspicion. “You didn’t annoy him, did you?”

Elodie hesitated, her hand slowing as she scrubbed the counter. “No, not exactly. I just…” She paused, uncertain how much to say. “Something happened last night, but it’s all sorted out.”

Suzy’s tone softened. “So that’s why you called me?”

Elodie nodded, then gave a small shrug. “I didn’t call. He did.”

Suzy blinked, surprised. “He called me himself? That man barely says more than two words to anyone. And he said you needed company?”

Elodie turned away, busying herself with the dishes. “Yes. He mentioned I was alone and that I could use some help settling in.”

Suzy grinned slyly. “Oh, he cares. I knew it.”

Elodie frowned, though a tiny smile tugged at her lips. “He’s just being kind.”

“Sure,” Suzy teased, bumping her shoulder. “And I only came here for the paycheck.”

They both laughed, the sound filling the kitchen. The tension that had clung to Elodie’s chest since the night before began to ease. She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed this—the kind of warmth only Suzy brought into a room.

As they worked, Suzy hummed a tune. The smell of cinnamon and butter filled the air. Elodie diced vegetables, her hands moving rhythmically while Suzy flipped pancakes on the griddle.

“So,” Suzy said, “what’s the plan for today? You still working on that list he gave you?”

Elodie sighed. “Yes. I’m supposed to inventory the library next.”

“The library?” Suzy asked, wide-eyed. “You mean that big room with the glass ceiling and all the old books?”

“Yes—and the smell of dust.” Elodie wrinkled her nose. “I’ll probably spend half the day sneezing.”

Suzy laughed. “Better you than me. I’m staying right here with my frying pan, thank you very much.”

Elodie glanced at her. “I could use some help, you know.”

“You could,” Suzy said, tapping her chin in mock thought. “But then who would make you lunch?”

They burst into giggles again. As the morning stretched on, they cleaned side by side. Suzy scrubbed the oven while Elodie dusted the shelves.

“Tell me honestly,” Suzy said suddenly, her voice quieter. “Do you like it here?”

Elodie froze mid-wipe. The question lingered in the air.

“I don’t know yet,” she admitted. “It’s beautiful, yes. But sometimes I feel… out of place. Like I don’t belong in a world this polished. Everyone here seems to know their role, and I’m still trying to figure out mine.”

Suzy’s eyes softened. “You’ve always belonged anywhere you choose to be, El. You just forget it sometimes.”

Elodie smiled weakly. “You make it sound easy.”

“Because it is,” Suzy said, tossing the sponge into the sink. “You just need to stop thinking of yourself as someone who needs to prove she’s strong. You already are.”

Elodie looked at her friend. “You always know what to say.”

“That’s what best friends are for.” Suzy winked.

They carried their cleaning supplies into the hall, their laughter echoing down the long corridor. Elodie’s arms ached, but her heart felt lighter.

When they returned to the kitchen for lunch, Suzy dished out food like she was feeding an army. “Now eat,” she ordered, setting a plate in front of Elodie. “You look like you’ve been working in the mines.”

Elodie burst into laughter. “We cleaned two rooms, Suzy.”

“Exactly. That’s two rooms more than I clean in a week.”

They ate in comfortable silence for a while, the clinking of cutlery mingling with the faint sound of birds outside. After a moment, Suzy leaned back and sighed.

“So what’s he really like?”

Elodie blinked. “Who?”

“Your boss,” Suzy said with a smirk.

Elodie blushed faintly. “He’s… complicated.”

“Complicated,” Suzy repeated, drawing out the word. “That’s what people say when they mean difficult but handsome.”

“Suzy!” Elodie protested, giggling. “He’s just… intimidating. But I think there’s more to him than he lets on.”

Suzy arched a brow. “You sound like someone trying not to sound interested.”

“I’m not interested,” Elodie insisted, though her voice faltered slightly. “I’m just trying to understand him. He’s different when he’s not giving orders. Sometimes he’s quiet and thoughtful—even gentle—but then the next second, he’s distant again, like he regrets showing it.”

Suzy tilted her head, smiling knowingly. “You see something in him no one else does. That’s dangerous, El.”

Elodie exhaled, her expression turning serious. “Maybe. But I can’t help it. There’s something lonely about him—like he’s been hurt before.”

Suzy reached over and squeezed her hand. “Just promise me one thing: don’t lose yourself trying to fix someone else.”

“I won’t,” Elodie said softly. “I’ve already decided I need to stand up for myself more and be more assertive.”

“That’s my girl.” Suzy grinned. “Now finish your food before I feed it to the dog you don’t have.”

Elodie laughed again, warmth spreading through her chest. For the first time since arriving at the mansion, she didn’t feel like a guest—she felt like herself.

Later that afternoon, as they washed up, Suzy turned to her with a mischievous look. “You know, if I were you, I’d make him a pie. Cinnamon and apple. Sweet men can resist, but brooding ones? Never.”

Elodie groaned. “You’re impossible.”

“Just saying,” Suzy replied, her laughter ringing out like sunlight. “A good pie can solve half the world’s problems.”

Elodie shook her head, smiling despite herself. “And the other half?”

Suzy winked. “Friendship and a little courage.”

As the day faded into evening, Elodie stood by the kitchen window, watching the sky turn gold while Suzy hummed softly behind her, cleaning up their mess.