Escaping The Tragedies Of This Family!

Act 10 - A fraudulent man 1/2

"Let's go, Louche," I called, waving him to follow me out of the manor. He glanced at my face, taking note of how tired I looked, and leaned in closer to inspect me.

"It looks like you haven't slept in days, young miss," he remarked, unafraid of any reprimand. I didn't have the energy for banter. "You're right,"

He let out a bemused "huh" before opening the front door for me, but a sudden voice halted me in my tracks. I turned to see Maria Lovelace, Tila's beloved mother standing with her maids flanking her. Dressed in an elegant yellow gown with a fur scarf draped over her shoulders, she narrowed her eyes at me and then to the large golden rings hugging my fingers.

"And where do you think you're going, Tila?" she demanded, her tone loud and stern.

"Just going shopping," I replied.

"Oh? With what money?" She hid her mouth behind a fancy wooden folding fan, referencing the the cancellation of Tila's funds by her father. I pursed my lips into a straight line and forced a smile. "My apologies, Mother. I just wanted to explore the streets for a little while."

"You see, I haven't been out in ages," I added, and before she could respond, I hastily exited, leaving her no chance to interrupt.

(What a cockblock...) I clicked my tongue as I walked alongside Louche to his carriage.

It was a silent and peaceful walk, for Louche that was. He had his hands behind his head, resting his head on them as he casually strolled with his usual smile. Then he looked over at me and then behind us before breaking the silence, "Where's Danielle?" he asked to which my obvious groan made him even more curious.

"We had a fight and I haven't spoken to her since," I admitted. 

"A fight? About what?"

"I'd tell you but," I scratched my head, "We'd be here for days." 

Louche blinked blankly at me before breaking out in a small smile and quickening his pace. I didn't have enough energy to do anything, especially after what happened between Danielle and me. Maybe, if I had used the right words, we wouldn't be in this situation. I didn't expect the loss of a novel character to have such an impact on me.

A couple days swung by since then, and I assumed I'd be back on my feet. I sighed, drooping my shoulders. 

(This is too irritating.)

When he heard me sigh, Louche stopped dead in his tracks. I didn't notice and walked straight into him, smacking my head against his back. "Ow," I rubbed my head, looking up, "why'd you stop?"

He hummed to himself and turned around to face me directly, "You're completely out of it."

"Like that isn't the truth," I muttered, attempting to walk around him, but he stopped me and moved to where I was going. "What are you doing?" Move, Louche."

He didn't.

"Come on, move," I demanded, growing increasingly annoyed by his antics.

"No, I don't wanna not until you're in the right mind," He shot me a cheeky grin, hands resting on his hips. "Don't you have something important to do right now?"

His words hit me like a wake-up call. He was right, I did have important matters to attend to. I had a family to save and an investment to stop. Clenching my hand into a fist, I slapped it against my palm. "Yeah, you're right..."

"Yeah, you're right!" I repeated, this time louder, feeling a surge of encouragement. Clearing my throat, I threw my arms in the air. There were far more important things to handle than focusing all my attention on Danielle—she could wait for another day. Right now, I had to figure out how to get Louche's grandfather to the estate. I rubbed my chin and glanced at the ground as I kept walking. I wasn't sure when Nikolas and Wildom were planning to discuss their plans, but the sooner I got moving, the more time I'd have to prepare. I raised my hand and studied the rings on my fingers.