Elizabeth, having completed her culinary preparations, decides to indulge in a rejuvenating shower before the guests arrive. She sheds her kitchen attire and slips into a fresh uniform, the fabric crisp against her skin. With her damp hair cascading down her back, she skillfully gathers it into a sleek ponytail, ensuring it stays away from her face. Feeling refreshed and composed, she descends the stairs, ready to face the evening's festivities.As she reaches the bottom of the staircase, her gaze falls upon Mrs. Johnson, who had been resting in the guest room. Concerned for her well-being, Elizabeth approaches her with genuine care. She inquires, "How do you feel now, Mrs. Johnson?" Her voice carries warmth and empathy, as she truly values the comfort and contentment of both the guests and

Tristan, consumed by his desire to regain control over Elizabeth, ponders various methods to lure her back into his grasp. He finds pleasure in her innocence, appreciating that she is unlike the other girls who demand materialistic things or exhibit attitudes.Moreover, he notes her remarkable ability to maintain self-control while also allowing herself to let loose when necessary, leaving him pleasantly surprised.However, Tristan's intentions with Elizabeth are far from genuine. He harbors no intentions of committing to her long-term; instead, he plans to discard her once he grows bored.With this in mind, he is determined to find a way to manipulate her and regain the upper hand in their relationship.Frustrated, he paces back and forth in the garden, his hand raking through his hair in contemplation.Tristan's restless thoughts are interrupted by the arrival of Dominic, his younger cousin, who notices his perplexed state. Dominic approaches Tristan, his

Elizabeth finds herself caught in a web of conflicting emotions as she gazes into Tristan's eyes. While a part of her instinctively trusts him and is tempted to accept his proposal, her mind is plagued by doubts and memories of the pain he has caused her. The impact of his previous actions, including the slap, has left an indelible mark on her heart, and she struggles with the fear that he may be an abuser.In her contemplation, Elizabeth weighs the pros and cons of accepting his proposal. On one hand, saying yes to Tristan would fulfill her long-held dream of being proposed to by a handsome man, and the idea of becoming his wife fills her heart with joy. She envisions a life where she is no longer labeled as a maid but instead celebrated as his partner

Elizabeth enters her room, her mind filled with turmoil and unease. She paces back and forth, replaying the previous incident with Tristan in her head. The memory of his potential wrath sends her heart racing, and she feels a sense of dread as she contemplates how to navigate the situation.Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupts her thoughts, causing her to startle. Her wide eyes and racing heart reflect her anxiety as she contemplates who might be on the other side. Bracing herself, she musters the courage to respond, "I am sleeping!" in an attempt to avoid Tristan and his unpredictable mood swings.To her surprise, a soft and familiar voice reaches her ears, not the one she expected. The sound of Dominic Bradford's voice momentarily distracts her from her apprehension. “Elizabeth, forgive me. I thought we could have a few words…” Elizabeth bites her lip, taking a deep breath, torn between wanting to rush to the door and let Dominic in and needing spac

“May I have this dance?” Dominic's invitation to dance fills the air, his hand extended towards Elizabeth with a certain magnetism. Their eyes meet, and she feels an undeniable connection, as if he has cast a spell upon her. With a slight nod, she accepts his invitation, placing her hand delicately in his, their fingers intertwining.As they make their way towards the dance floor, Elizabeth can't help but notice the firm yet gentle grip of Dominic's hand on her back. A wave of warmth washes over her as she feels his touch, her senses heightened, and her body responding to the subtle chemistry between them. Perhaps it's the rush of hormones or the electricity in the air, but something within her feels alive and pulsating with anticipation.With Dominic's hand securely placed on her back, they stand close enough to feel each other's breath, their bodies almost magnetically drawn together. The world around them seems to fade away as they lock eyes, thei