Beautiful Stillness ✔️

Chapter 20: Weight

Chapter 20: Weight

Mornings were never so awkward and painful for Ulysses until the day he caught Lord Damond and the Lady from the Estella house making out on the terrace. This was why he never wanted to clean the terrace again; it had become the designated spot for the couple, and seeing it was truly devastating. Their official engagement was approaching, so it was only natural for them to be affectionate, but for Ulysses, it was a slow destruction of his spirit.

He still clearly remembered Lord Damond's last words to him. It had happened only a few nights ago, and it had been their last real conversation. Since then, the Lord had been busy, and Ulysses could barely catch a glimpse of him. Whenever he did return, he was with Lady Jewel Estella, a true jewel destined for another gem.

Lucky.

"Good morning, Uly!" Lady Jewel smiled, pulling away from Lord Damond.

Ulysses's heart fractured at the sight. He bowed, eyes fixed on the floor to avoid Lord Damond's gaze. [Good morning, my lady.]

The Lady was sitting on Lord Damond's lap. It hurt to see them so close. Ulysses used to be the one in those arms; seeing them hold someone else was breaking him. What was more painful than witnessing your loved one proudly showing affection to someone accepted by society, while you were hidden away because the world condemned your love? He understood Lord Damond. Their kind of love was forbidden, while the world pushed Lord Damond and Lady Jewel together. It was profoundly unfair.

"Oh, Damond. Ulysses would be perfect to be your best man," the Lady suddenly suggested.

Ulysses's eyes widened in shock. No. Never had he imagined being the best man at his young master's wedding. He would rather disappear than watch Damond walk someone else down the aisle. Why was this getting more painful? He could not watch him make promises to another.

"What do you think, Ulysses?"

Ulysses's eyes grew watery. Oh no. [I... I think...]

Lord Damond interrupted, "Let's rethink that. He will be staying in this mansion on the wedding day."

It was a sharp sting to hear him confirm the wedding so casually. Ulysses was so confused. He wanted to trust the "schemes" Damond mentioned, but how could he keep going like this?

"But he would look so good, and he is your faithful servant too, my love," the Lady insisted. "Do you not want him to witness the best day of your life? I am sure he will be happy to see you happy."

Ulysses tried so hard to contain himself. But truly, he could not take it anymore. The pain was vibrating through his entire body. He acted as if it were nothing, but he wanted to wail. If only he could vanish into thin air, he would have done it already.

Lord Damond's best day with her? Ulysses could not tolerate that. He could not even bear to imagine him with someone else, let alone tied to them for the rest of his life. He would not attend the wedding. If that day came, he would flee. He had been a faithful servant to the Theodores, but even a servant has a heart that can break.

Lord Damond sighed at the heavy atmosphere. "Jewel, let us just go back to your chamber. You see, Ulysses is busy—"

"My lord, I just want Ulysses to be there. I feel so comfortable around him; I want him there on the happiest day of my life. After all, it is better for your favorite servant to have a part in the wedding than just being a server, right?"

"We will think about it. Let us go for now." Lord Damond stood and offered a hand to the Lady. She had no choice but to follow.

"I..." Ulysses tried to speak as they reached the terrace door.