The next day
The rays of the sun pierced through the luxurious curtains of Sophia’s room, casting a golden glow on her face. She groaned, rolling onto her stomach to escape the invading light, but it was futile.
"It's morning already?" she muttered, her voice muffled by the pillow. With a reluctant sigh, she swung her legs off the bed and stood up lazily.
Her groggy mind suddenly jolted awake as fragments of the previous night danced through her thoughts. The balcony. The moonlight. Lucius. His whispered words still lingered in her ears: You’re mine to protect. A smirk curved her lips.
"Can this day be more interesting?" she mused aloud, dragging herself toward the bathroom.
Sluggishly picking up her toothbrush, she knocked the toothpaste off the sink. As she bent to retrieve it, a funny sensation washed over her, making her pause briefly before dismissing it.
---
Downstairs
Crystal was already busy in the sitting room, diligently dusting the furniture. The soft hum of a cheerful tune accompanied her movements as she wiped the glass cabinets. Though officially a maid, she often helped Lisa, the chef, with cooking—something she truly enjoyed. Cooking wasn’t just a task for her; it was a passion.
“Someday,” Crystal murmured to herself, her eyes gleaming with determination, “the world will know my name.”
Her moment of reflection was interrupted by the sharp click of heels.
“Hey, you,” Penelope’s voice rang out, cold and haughty.
Crystal turned, raising an eyebrow. “Me?”
"Who else would I be talking to, you dummy?" Penelope snapped, rolling her eyes as she strutted closer.
“I’m busy,” Crystal replied flatly, returning her attention to her dusting.
But Penelope wasn’t done. She grabbed Crystal’s hair, yanking it sharply.
"Who do you think you are, you little b***h? You’re nothing more than a pathetic church mouse begging for scraps,” Penelope sneered, her words dripping with malice.
Crystal winced, but then she laughed, shaking Penelope’s hand off her hair.
“Wow, Penelope. That’s the first intelligent thing I’ve ever heard you say,” Crystal quipped, clapping mockingly. “You finally proved you went to school. Bravo!”
Fuming, Penelope raised her hand to slap her, but before she could, a firm grip stopped her mid-swing.
"Not this morning, Penelope," Kai’s deep voice intervened. “Or have you forgotten your place?”
Crystal’s lips twitched into a smile as she turned to face Kai. She thought to herself, He looks so handsome when he’s serious.
Kai glanced at her, snapping her out of her thoughts. “What’re you smiling at? Shouldn’t you be working?”
Crystal blinked, realizing they were suddenly alone. “Where did she go?”
“She stormed out like the drama queen she is.”
Overwhelmed with relief, Crystal impulsively hugged Kai. “Thank you. I don’t know what would’ve happened if you hadn’t shown up.”
Kai froze briefly, then chuckled, patting her head. “Don’t mention it.”
From the staircase, Sophia paused, noticing the scene below. She quickly turned back upstairs, giving them their moment.
Unfortunately, the tender moment didn’t last. Samantha appeared, her eyes narrowing at the pair.
YOU ARE READING
SMITTEN BY HER (unedited)
Romance"Beyond Shadows" In a world where darkness whispers secrets and power knows no bounds, a young orphan's dreams of becoming a veterinarian are crushed by the cruel betrayal of her own blood. Sold into an unforgiving fate, she finds herself in the eni...
