**Chapter Thirty-Five: The Hidden Truth**

7 0 0
                                        



 In the quiet, shadowed corners of Darkwood Manor, a different narrative was unfolding—one of secrets and deception. Eliza, one of the newer maids, had been covertly hired by Matthew to keep an eye on Olivia. Matthew's motives were clear: he wanted to ensure that Olivia remained under his control and influence. Eliza's role was to gather information and report back to him, an arrangement she had reluctantly agreed to for the sake of her own financial stability.### **A Secret Mission**Eliza was meticulous in her duties, her every movement deliberate and careful. She had been instructed to find any signs of weakness or issues in Olivia's quarters, and her current task was to search for anything that might provide valuable insight. Her previous attempts had yielded little, but she was determined to uncover something significant.That evening, as Olivia attended to her responsibilities and then went off to dinner, Eliza saw her opportunity. She waited until the manor was quiet and everyone had settled into their evening routines. Then, with the practiced ease of someone who had done this before, she slipped into Olivia's room.### **An Unexpected Discovery**The room was a blend of elegance and comfort, a reflection of Olivia's status and taste. Eliza moved quietly, her eyes scanning the space for anything out of place. She knew that Olivia had been experiencing some distress recently, but she had no idea of the gravity of the situation.As Eliza explored the room, her attention was drawn to the desk where Olivia had been working earlier. She noticed a drawer slightly ajar and decided to investigate. Opening it cautiously, she found a few personal items, but her attention was immediately caught by a crumpled tissue tucked at the back.Curiosity piqued, Eliza pulled the tissue out, noticing its stained appearance. As she unfolded it, her heart skipped a beat. The bloodied tissue was a clear sign of something serious—something that suggested Olivia was suffering from a significant health issue.### **A Sense of Alarm**Eliza's hands trembled as she processed what she had discovered. This was not just gossip or minor scandal; this was potentially life-threatening. She felt a pang of guilt but also a surge of urgency. Matthew had demanded that she find something incriminating, but this was beyond what she had anticipated.The implications of this discovery were profound. If Olivia's health was deteriorating, it could affect everything from her social standing to her ability to perform her duties. Eliza knew that this information could be used to further Matthew's plans, but she was also acutely aware of the ethical implications of her actions.### **A Dilemma**Eliza stood in the room, torn between her duty to Matthew and her growing concern for Olivia. The realization that Olivia was potentially facing a serious health crisis weighed heavily on her. She knew that if she reported this to Matthew, it could lead to further exploitation of Olivia's condition. On the other hand, keeping silent might be seen as a betrayal of her own agreement.As she pondered her next move, Eliza's thoughts were a swirl of conflicting emotions. She had been hired to spy and gather information, but she had not expected to confront such a personal and troubling issue. The line between her professional duties and her personal conscience was blurring.### **Making a Choice**In the end, Eliza made a decision. She would inform Matthew of the discovery, but she would also take measures to ensure that Olivia's condition was addressed with a measure of compassion. She realized that whatever was happening, Olivia's health was a matter of urgency that could not be ignored.As she prepared to leave the room, she carefully placed the tissue back in its hiding spot, ensuring that nothing appeared out of place. She would relay the information to Matthew but would also subtly hint at the seriousness of the issue, hoping that some measure of consideration would be given.### **Reporting Back**When Eliza met with Matthew later, she conveyed the information about Olivia's condition with a degree of caution. "My lord," she began, her voice low and careful, "I found something concerning in Lady Olivia's room. There's evidence suggesting that she's been experiencing a significant health issue. I thought it important to bring this to your attention."Matthew's eyes narrowed as he listened, his expression a mixture of intrigue and calculation. "Interesting," he said, his voice cool. "Thank you for your diligence, Eliza. This information will be useful."Eliza left the meeting feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. She had fulfilled her obligation but hoped that her actions would not contribute to further harm. The knowledge of Olivia's plight weighed heavily on her conscience, and she couldn't help but wonder what might come next.As she returned to her duties, Eliza couldn't shake the feeling that she had crossed a line. The secrets she had uncovered and the choices she had made were part of a larger, more complex web of intrigue and morality.

Transferred to another lifeWhere stories live. Discover now