Lorna?!” Lauren's mouth dropped open, stunned to see a nervous Lorna standing there. She glanced back and forth between her brother and the maid, trying to connect the dots.“Please don't tell Mom, I'd do anything–just don't tell mom about us.” Arrow moved in front of Lorna, protectively.Lorna's gaze lingered on his broad figure in front of her, blocking her from view. Her pulse still racing from the moment she'd slipped out of the closet.Lauren blinked, speechless. When did her brother start acting like this? Desperate? Protective?“Us?” she murmured back, her brows rising. “You just got here–how are you professing love to a maid in such a short period of time?!” She barely gave him a chance to respond before shifting her attention abruptly to Lorna.“And you, Lorna…seriously?! I didn't expect this from you. Feelings? for him? All of a sudden?” Lorna lowered her head, avoiding Lauren's gaze in shame. Arrow's frown deepened, noticing her demeanor.“Hey, don't scold her. None of t
Arrow let out a low, frustrated groan as the knocking continued. Meanwhile, Lorna rushed to pull her nightdress back on, panic and fear written all over her face.“What do we do?!” Lorna whisper-yelled, panting in panic, gripping her nightdress as the knocking persisted. Arrow stayed eerily calm, his gaze fixed on the door–thier only exit. But she couldn't go out through the door, not like this, not at the moment. “Arrow?” The voice came from behind the door, startling both him and Lorna who was on the verge of a breakdown. Lauren? It was Lauren at the door. By this hour?Arrow blinked, confused. Everyone was supposed to be asleep by now. This is what you get for sneaking around. “The closet. Go hide in there until she's gone.” He whispered, his voice lower than ever.“What if she comes in there?!” Lorna hissed, mentally preparing herself for the disaster about to unfold. What would happen if she was caught?Arrow let out a breath, running his fingers through his hair.“Then I
He had called for her–again. Lorna walked quietly through the corridors, her breathing unsteady, excitement bubbling beneath her chest. Each step pulled her towards the one place she would've gladly avoided–and yet here she was, heading straight for him. Arrow's quarters. Lady Stella had come by for a brief meeting the other day, acknowledging chef Katherina–as usual–and pointing out a few tiny mistakes she had noticed at the dining table. Of course, she was never satisfied even when things were near perfect. There was always something–one flaw or the other–to correct.Lorna, however, was quietly thankful. Lady Stella hadn't noticed her son's steady attention during the meal. That would’ve been a different story entirely–one that wouldn't have ended after dinner. Why had she answered him? The mansion was quiet, lamps dimmed, doors shut– it was late enough that everyone was already in bed, the perfect hour for sneaking around the mansion, unnoticed. Safe to say, this was the
Lorna's Pov; We were on standby, waiting to be called into the dining hall to serve dinner, and I can't lie—I'm so nervous that my hands have been trembling for the past ten minutes. I've been taking deep breaths over and over again, trying to calm myself. From where I stood, I could hear Lady Stella's laughter blending with Sir Arrow's.It was strangely pleasing to the ears, echoing lightly through the house. A wave of anxiety washed through me. My thoughts were scattered. What if I embarrassed myself in front of him? What if I ruined everything? “Lorna, you'll be in charge of serving the drinks. Don't worry about the dishes–I'll handle that,” came the soothing voice of Head Chef Katherina, her tone warm and reassuring. I gave her a small smile, even though it does not change the fact that I was already panicking within me. “Start serving dinner, Katherina.” Lady Stella’s voice rang out from the dining room. Finally, Chef Katherina took the lead and I followed beh
Lorna couldn't help but smile to herself whenever memories of her little moment with Arrow crept in. That sweet instant played over and over again in her mind, making her heart flutter in ways she couldn't understand. They hadn't crossed paths again since then, and the realization that she couldn't see him whenever she wished saddened her, pulling her thoughts back to him. He had made a promise to her that day–to keep what they had together a secret. Not even his sister, Lauren, was to know. He had also promised to stay out of her way and not come after her, unless she was sent to his quarters or they encounter unexpectedly. It was a huge mansion, and the maids on duty were changed everyday. She couldn't risk her job and her life at the same time. “You seem to be always lost in your thoughts these days, Lorna. Are you alright?” A loud British accent rang out from across the field, jolting her back to reality. Lorna blinked rapidly and turned towards the maiden who
“Mother.” Lauren said, announcing her presence at the ranch. It was unusually cold and quiet that morning, the cattles were all out and about on the greenlands.“Come my dearest, sit.” Lady Stella, who had given her a short glance, ushered her forward to take a seat beside her. She dismissed the maids around with a wave, telling them to keep their distance at the other end of the ranch. This was a family matter.Lauren sighed, settling down beside her mother, already eyeing the exit. “I see you've already visited your brother at his quarters.” she smiled watching her daughter’s face lit up. Lauren nodded. She has always been fond of Arrow, since she was a little girl. Even when his brothers had kept their distance during the commotion about their father cheating on their mother, Arrow still took Lauren as his responsibility.“He bought a lot of things for me during his travels. He's really considerate.” Lauren replied, mentally applauding Arrow. “Your brother knows you better th