Miss Poppy and the Beast

7. Not her fault

"How dare you to wear this dress?", he shouted, wearing a murderous look on his face. He walked to her and stood so close that her heart accelerated at its peak point. She tried to keep herself calm and composed so as not to show him that he was intimidating her, even though her shaky legs were about to give up.

His green eyes were piercing through her soul. She cursed herself for being curious to explore the library. But something didn't make sense to her. Why he was more concerned about the dress she was wearing than her being freely roaming around the mansion without his permission.

"ANSWER ME.", he growled, shadowing her petite frame and her body flinched. His voice was so loud, she was sure the whole mansion would have known he was yelling at someone.

Poppy didn't dare to say anything, because she had no idea what she should say in that situation. She was sure that this was her last day of work here. She had already planned so many things she would do from her first salary but everything went in vain because of her carelessness. She can't blame her employer for shouting at her can she? This time it was indeed her fault to roam around.

"What is happening here?" Eugene came quickly when he heard his brother's roaring voice. When his eyes went to Poppy, he was shocked and got the slight idea what was going on.

"Cease her contract instantly Eugene. I don't want to see this woman again in my house.", he said to his brother.

"But Artemis...", he tried to explain everything, but Artemis didn't let him do so.

"Not a single word. Just do what I said, that's an order.", he gritted and left from there, without giving a single glare at Poppy.

"I didn't mean to offend him, trust me. I just saw the Library and wanted to explore it a little. I am.... I am so sorry." Poppy said with her small voice feeling guilty.

"I think you are misunderstanding something. He was not angry at you for being in the Library, but for the dress you're wearing. Even though it was not your fault. ". he said, looking apologetic for his brother's rude behavior.

Poppy scanned her dress in confusion, "Why? The maid gave this dress to me."

"It was not her fault either. She is new here. This dress belongs to Anastasia"

Poppy had no idea what he was saying. Who is Anastasia?. She looked at him perplexed.

"She is my brother's deceased wife."

As soon as she heard him, realization hit her hard. Now she understood why he was asking about the dress and the reason behind his anger. He had the right to be angry, she knows. But he should have let her explain but he didn't let her speak, which was not fair.

Poppy again changed into her dirty dress and met Eugene in the living area. He told her to go home for now. He will talk to his brother about this matter tomorrow, as he might be still angry right now and he was also scared of his brother's anger. Weekends were coming and he told Poppy that he would call her.

She returned home, disappointed. Her face told the whole world that she was upset. She had already made up her mind for being fired from this job.

She went inside her room without greeting Edina, which was out of her character. Edina sensed her mood and gave her some time alone.

When it was dinner time, Edina brought food for Poppy in her room. She was sitting curled up on the small couch in front of a window.

Edina sat beside her and placed her hand on her shoulder, bringing her back from her thoughts.