The Traps of the Black Swan (Book 2)

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Ruby Jane watched Zelda walk away without showing her emotions. She sat there and slowly breathed in and out, then she stood up and followed Zelda inside.

She discerned and also accepted Zelda was heartless too. The latter didn't scold her or raise her voice. She said her farewell when Ruby Jane and Lisa were leaving the next day, after breakfast.

She least wanted Zelda to ignore Lisa because of her. How did it turn worse? It voiced her opinion because Zelda asked, she didn't mean to say Zelda was wrong.

Zelda knew Ruby Jane was following her, yet she went inside and shut the door on Ruby Jane's face a loud thud. The latter had expected it so she was a good distance away.

Sophia stood by the door of her room uneasily. Even though she was a maid, Zelda always treated her well. That doesn't mean she had the right to interfere hence she could only advise, "Young Madam, why don't you take a rest and speak with Elder Madam, tomorrow?" She didn't judge the situation and stayed respectful.

Ruby Jane faced a worried Sophia. Sophia reminds her of Melia, the housekeeper of the JL mansion. As far as Ruby Jane knew they were all hired and trained by Zelda. They never treated anybody oddly even if they were displeased by anybody. How much ever freedom she gives, they will stay respectful, kind, and loyal.

Ruby Jane faintly smiled, "Aunty Sophia, I am alright. You must be tired after a long day. Why don't you go to bed?"

Against another stubborn woman, Sophia could only give in and went out to the kitchen to complete her work.

Ruby Jane's eyes landed on Lisa who was at the stairs. She glanced at the closed door and skipped to her husband without a hint of annoyance on her face. Pulling his cheeks, "Why haven't you bathed yet? I will come soon... No, take a bath, fill the bathtub for me. I will reward you when I return."

Lisa controlled himself from facepalming himself. Reward? Was he a child to lure him with reward? "Candy?" He asked with a straight face.

Ruby Jane chuckled at the reward he mentioned, discerning she was treating him like a kid. She just wanted to keep him distracted instead of worrying about her and Zelda. "That's a good idea. When we go back, I will prepare a big jar of candies for you."

Lisa: "..."

Ruby Jane chuckled looking at him speechless while he was thinking if he should carry away his wife. He pulled her close, his long fingers gently massaged between her brows. His deep voice had a hint of worry, "Convincing Grandma is difficult so soon. We will drop visits whenever you feel like."

Ruby Jane had no idea she was frowning. She hummed, accepting his plans. However, "I won't convince her. I have something to tell her."

Lisa could only let her go, seeing her resolute. "I will get your bath ready." with an underlying threat as 'You better come back soon.' He kissed her forehead and went upstairs seeing her sweet silly smile.

Clash of opinions. Lisa couldn't guess how this was going to end.

Ruby Jane time passed for five minutes before knocking on the door. She wanted to give Zelda time so that she could patiently think, hoping she was thinking positively instead of any negative assumption.

The door didn't open. Ruby Jane knew Zelda was awake and grumpy. So she again knocked on the door. It took a few seconds before the door was opened.

Zelda probably knew it was her so she turned around, went to the armchair, and sat down. Neither welcoming her inside nor uttering anything.

'Let's not lose patience.' Ruby Jane told herself. She was a normal human too so she hoped they wouldn't end up arguing with each other.

She went inside and calmly excused herself, "Elder Madam, I hope it's alright if I take five more minutes of your time."