Chapter 4

Mrs. Harris gave a sad smile before continuing, her voice filled with an almost maternal tenderness.

“You’ve never been an aggressive omega. I know that. You’ve always been able to control yourself, even when you were younger. But last night… your pheromones escaped, didn’t they?” Ryse nodded, flustered.

“I… I don’t understand how it happened.” The matriarch sighed softly.

“It’s natural, you know? An omega can’t always control everything, especially when in the presence of an alpha they’ve known for a long time.” Ryse looked away, uncomfortable.

“Except Nigel didn’t recognize me…” she murmured. A silence fell.

Then, Mrs. Harris continued gently:

“When you were little… he liked your scent.” “…” Ryse looked up, stunned.

“What?” A faint, nostalgic smile played on Mrs. Harris’s lips.

“You might not remember, but Nigel spent all his time with you. He almost thought of you as a little sister. When your body first started releasing pheromones, he was curious, intrigued. He found your scent comforting.” Ryse froze, unable to say anything.

“I thought it would be the same today,” Mrs. Harris whispered. “That, even after all these years, his instinct would guide him to you, just like before.” But it hadn’t happened. Instead of being drawn to her, Nigel had rejected her. Ryse felt a weight settle on her chest.

“But he’s not the same Nigel anymore,” Mrs. Harris finally admitted, her eyes clouding with sadness. She squeezed Ryse's hand lightly, as if to apologize.

"Something about him has changed. Something I don't understand yet. But what I do know is that your pheromones shouldn't have escaped like that." Ryse felt her stomach clench.

"I didn't mean to... I didn't try to..." "I know, darling," Mrs. Harris interrupted gently. "But Nigel and Eloise don't see it that way. They think you did it on purpose." Ryse's heart skipped a beat. So that was it. They were really accusing her. She lowered her head, a wave of despair washing over her.

"What... what am I going to do?" she whispered. Mrs. Harris looked at her for a long moment before standing, smoothing the wrinkles in her dress. “For now, just avoid Nigel. Give him some time.” Then she headed for the door, but before leaving, she stopped and turned around one last time.

“Don’t doubt yourself, Ryse. You haven’t done anything wrong.” And with that, she left, leaving Ryse alone with her torment.

The floorboards creaked softly under Ryse's light footsteps as she descended the service stairs to the kitchens. The scent of fresh bread and coffee already hung in the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of jams and the more pronounced scent of eggs cooking. As she stepped into the large, bustling kitchen, she was immediately greeted by the familiar hubbub of maids hard at work. Mary, a woman with round cheeks and an apron covered in flour, looked up as she entered. "Ah, Ryse! You're just in time. Grab that tray and go set the cutlery on the large table." Ryse did so without hesitation, deftly grasping the tray piled high with dishes and folded napkins.

"So, are you excited?" Lorna, a young maid with brown hair tied back in a tight braid, called out suddenly. Ryse turned to her, raising an eyebrow.

"Excited about what?" Lorna rolled her eyes as she placed a basket of pastries on the counter. The clinking of cutlery, the sizzle of butter in the pan, and the aroma of coffee filled the kitchen, creating a warm and familiar atmosphere. Ryse busied herself with the other maids, placing the cutlery on a polished wooden tray.

"So, have you seen him?" Lorna asked suddenly, giving her a sidelong glance.

Ryse paused, looking up at her friend.

"Who?" she said, feigning ignorance.

Lorna rolled her eyes.

"Don't play that game with me, Ryse. Nigel, of course! He arrived last night, and the whole manor has been buzzing ever since." Ryse discreetly clasped her hands around the tray. She hadn't had the chance to really see him. Or rather, she hadn't dared. After all, Nigel hadn't given her a single glance, not a second glance, as if she didn't exist. So why should she be eager to see him again?

"Oh, he's incredibly handsome!" Anna exclaimed, clasping her hands under her chin. "Tall, imposing... and his alpha aura is even stronger than before. You can feel his authority just by walking into the same room as him!" Ryse forced a smile, but simply nodded without adding anything.

"And what about his fiancée?" another maid asked.

Lorna sighed.

"A real beauty. Brunette, elegant, refined... Exactly what you'd expect from a future lady of the house." Anna nodded enthusiastically.

"She's also very kind." She thanked every maid who had helped her last night.” Ryse didn’t need to hear anything more. Nigel had returned, accompanied by a perfect woman, befitting his station. It was none of her business.

So why was this strange weight settling in her chest?

“Well, enough talk!” Mary declared, clapping her hands. “Ryse, bring this tray into the dining room before the coffee gets cold.” Ryse nodded and did so, trying to ignore the curious feeling of unease that was growing within her. Balanced in her hands, Ryse walked confidently into the main dining room. The polished parquet floor reflected the soft morning light, casting golden glimmers on the walls adorned with antique paintings. Around the large mahogany table, three figures were seated: Mrs. Harris, dignified and elegant in her midnight blue dress, Nigel, whose imposing presence filled the room despite his silence, and finally Eloise, whose light smile contrasted with the aura of tension that floated around them.