Undercover Vengeance and Hidden Lies

part 18

Harper’s world was a blur of pain and fear. The brutality she had just endured at the hands of Master Andrew felt endless. Each breath was a struggle, her body aching from the assault. Her mind was hazy as she lay on the cold floor of the mansion’s grand hall.

Her heart pounded with each step Andrew took, knowing his wrath still loomed. She focused on breathing, willing herself to stay conscious, even as tears blurred her vision.

When Andrew’s rage seemed to lift, Harper struggled to push herself up. Every movement sent sharp jolts of pain through her battered body. Her clothes were torn, and she felt exposed, but she forced herself to stand.

Limping down the hallway to her quarters, her thoughts raced. Accused of hiding Kate, someone she had always treated like her own daughter, Harper was devastated. The brutality she suffered, coupled with the false accusations, was almost unbearable.

The mansion’s grand corridors, once familiar, now felt like a labyrinth of dread. When she reached her room, she fumbled with the key, her hands shaking. She managed to push the door open and collapsed onto her bed, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

Harper’s gaze fell on a small photo frame on her bedside table. Inside was a picture of Kate, smiling brightly. She reached for the frame, her fingers trembling.

Harper: I’m so sorry, Kate, I-I tried to prot-tect you. I did everyth-ing I could, but now… they--they think I’m at fault

Her tears flowed freely as she clutched the photo to her chest. The pain in her body was overwhelming, but the emotional toll was greater. She had always loved Kate like her own child. The thought of Kate out there while she was punished for something she didn’t do was crushing.

Harper lay there, her body trembling and her heart aching. The silence of the room was broken only by her quiet sobs and the distant sounds of the mansion

*At Gray's secret Mansion*

*Mansion's Kitchen, Late Evening*

The grand mansion had a certain charm in the early evening hours. The kitchen, a spacious room with marble countertops and polished wood cabinets, was now softly lit by the glow of hanging pendant lights. The usual bustle of staff had quieted down, leaving a peaceful atmosphere.

Moris, he had arrived early to finish some work. Though he was primarily focused on his duties, he found himself drawn to the mansion’s kitchen more often lately. It wasn’t the rich aroma of the freshly baked pastries or the elegant design of the room that intrigued him, but rather the presence of Ava.

Ava was busy tidying up, her movements graceful and deliberate. Her laughter, light and melodic, occasionally filled the kitchen. Moris watched her from a distance, his heart fluttering with unspoken feelings. He had long admired her kindness and beauty, but he hadn’t yet found the courage to confess his feelings.

Ava: Moris!

Ava called out cheerfully as she spotted him.

Ava: You’re here early today. What brings you to our little haven?

Moris smiled, stepping into the kitchen.

Moris: Just trying to wrap up some work before heading home. The office is a lot quieter now.

As Ava continued to work, she began preparing a cup of hot cocoa. Moris leaned against the counter, watching her with a fond gaze. The warmth of the kitchen contrasted sharply with the chilly evening outside.

Ava: Want a cup?

Ava asked, glancing at him with a playful smile. As Moris replied, his eyes twinkling.