Butler

Opening the trunk of my car, I keep staring at it with a sullen gaze, my hand instinctively reaching for my belly. The madness to take revenge on everyone who hurt my son intensifies each time I look at the empty space inside. I know everything was a lie. I’ve checked twice, thrice, and countless times, hoping to find him. But he wasn’t there.

My heart aches, yet there’s a strange happiness bubbling inside me, a joy at the chance I’ve been given. A chance I never thought possible. I keep thanking God for sending me back to this time, to when Asher is growing inside me. This means I can rebuild his life, make it safe and warm from the very start.

I grab the shopping bag filled with 25 hydrangea plants and a bouquet of gardenias. Asher loves gardenias. Closing the trunk, I walk toward the garden, my steps firm with purpose. I know what’s going to happen in the future. And I will change everything.

I place the plants aside and put the gardenias under the big cherry tree. This is where he used to play, tending to his little garden with so much joy. I’ll place a bouquet here every day to welcome him, to surround him with love and warmth.

“Ma’am! What are you doing? It’s time for Young Master to return home!”

I flinch at the familiar voice, a voice I haven’t heard since before Asher was born.

“Butler Uncle!” I smile fondly.

He’s the only person who ever cared about me in this house or anywhere, and he died not long after Asher was born.

“My Lady! It’s scorching—” he begins, concern lining his face.

I cut him off, my smile widening as a sense of nostalgia washes over me. “Butler Uncle, stop fussing! You’re still as handsome as ever, aren’t you?”

I tease, just like I used to. His eyes widen in surprise before his face breaks into a familiar, gentle smile.

“Now, now, my Lady,” he says, shaking his head, though I can see the fatigue in his eyes, the lines of exhaustion that I never noticed before. I can't blame myself. I never thought he would leave me alone as soon as we welcomed Asher in my life.

“You always know how to flatter an old man like me. But really, it’s too hot out here for you. You should rest.”

Ignoring his concern, I take a step closer, my eyes searching his face for any signs of illness. “Old? Who are you calling old? If you’re old, then I must be ancient!” I laugh, trying to keep the mood light. It’s been so long since I’ve felt this way, almost like my old self.

He chuckles softly, a sound that feels like a balm to my wounded soul, but his laughter turns into a slight cough, which he quickly stifles. My heart tightens with worry. “Butler Uncle, are you feeling alright? You don’t look well,” I say, my tone more serious.

“It’s nothing, my Lady,” he replies with a dismissive wave. “Just a bit of a cold. Nothing to trouble yourself over.”

A cold. That’s what he’d said last time, too, before it turned into something far worse. Before he slipped away, leaving me alone in this house. I won’t let that happen again.

“I was just about to head out for some more plants,” I say, trying to sound casual. “Why don’t you come with me? You could use some fresh air.”

He hesitates, looking uncertain. “But my Lady, I’ve just received word that young Master will be returning soon. He’s expecting to see you.”

The mention of my husband sends a chill down my spine, but it is more likely hatred and disgust.

However,I push the feeling away. “That can wait,” I say quickly. “Come on, it’ll be fun. We haven’t gone shopping together in ages. I could use your advice.”

“But, my Lady—” he starts, but I cut him off, grabbing his arm gently.

“No buts. I insist. You’ve been cooped up in this house too long, and so have I. A little outing will do us both some good,” I say, my voice leaving no room for argument. I need to get him out of here, to a hospital where they can run tests. Where I can make sure he’s alright.

He sighs, giving in. “As you wish, my Lady,” he says, though there’s a hint of reluctance in his voice.

I smile, relief washing over me. “Good. Let’s go.”

As we walk toward the car, I glance at him out of the corner of my eye. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep him alive this time. I couldn’t save him before, but now I have the chance to change things. And I won’t let it slip away.

" I wonder if Young Master will be mad. He always comes home on weekends to meet you!" He says, sitting on the passenger seat.

" Don't worry! Other servants are here to take care of him. Also today we will only give ourselves time. So don't think about others. I will be upset!" I pout,

He chuckles in response and shakes his head, " As you wish, My Lady!"

I smile. Honestly, I feel so much better and Safe with him after a long time. It's been a week since I returned, finding myself with my baby growing up inside. Butler wasn't here. If I am not wrong, he went to meet his daughter who lives across the country.

He is the only one who will never betray me. I can't lose him, not again.

"Uncle?" I say, driving down the road, glancing over at him with a soft smile.

"Yes, My Lady!" he responds, his voice calm and familiar.

I purse my lips, feeling a mix of hesitation and reluctance. After everything that has happened, I've been traumatized enough to have serious trust issues. But I trust him. I must ask him for help.

"Is everything okay?" he asks, noticing my silence.

“Yeah,” I reply, keeping my voice even. “Actually, I’ve been thinking about my sister a lot. You know, her going missing really messed up everything. I had to give up on my dream to become your Master’s wife. But as her sister, I should know what she’s doing and where she’s been all these years. Can you help me find her whereabouts?” I ask, faking concern.

Butler Uncle knows it’s a sensitive topic for Travis, and no one dares to mention her name. However, judging by her words, Spring will be back in his life as soon as my baby is back in my embrace. But before that happens, I want to break her. I want to destroy any chance she has to succeed.

Our mother used to drop hints whenever I’d go home for family dinners. She’d say Spring was doing well. Ten years should’ve been enough for them to find her. I want to know what she’s up to so I can destroy her, her plans, and her future.

Sorry, baby. Your mother will be the villain of your father's love story. Don’t hate me, okay?