An Illicit Romance

An Unexpected Arrival

An Unexpected Arrival

Rose’s POV

“Where did you go last night?” Lily asked while she set the table. “Come to think of it, you’re always out at night.”

“You know me, I love being outside. It’s much calmer at night.” I hated lying to her face. Especially when she believed me.

“Oh, okay. Just make sure Lady Harrington doesn’t see you or we’ll both be fired.”

I nodded. It was breakfast time and there was a special guest coming. I spotted Daniel, going upstairs. He smiled at me and I smiled back. He pointed up, indicating for me to meet him there.

“I just remembered, I have to organise some files in the spare room. I’ll be back.” I said to Lily. She just nodded and carried on setting the table.

I ran upstairs to Daniel’s room. He kissed me as soon as he saw me.

“Are you busy at the moment?” he asked.

“Your mother’s keeping me busy! Why?”

“Nothing.”

I knew he wanted to say something important. But I decided to let him take his time. “Who’s this mystery guest that’s coming?”

“I’m not quite sure. Mother’s not telling me anything. Anyway, let’s not talk about that.”

“What is it, then?”

He held my hands as he spoke. “I wanted to tell you that I lo-“

“I’m home!” I heard an annoying giggle downstairs. It was Melanie. Daniel sighed, annoyed. “What’s she doing here?” he asked.

I knew exactly what she was doing here. Lady Harrington had been talking to her about moving in. It would’ve hurt their reputation if it was for cohabitation between Melanie and Daniel so she stated to the public that Melanie would be living in the other part of the house and it was only to get to know their families.

I heard her footsteps approaching upstairs so I quickly went to the window and pretended to clean.

“Daniel!” her arms went around him. “Oh, it’s brilliant that we’ll be spending more time together!” she kissed him on the cheek while Daniel shifted uncomfortably.

I glared at her. I couldn’t help but feel jealous. There she was with her arms around Daniel. My Daniel. Melanie looked at me. She eyed me up and down. “What’s she doing here?”

“She works here, Melanie. Leave her alone.” I smiled slightly at Daniel’s defence.

“Oh! I never knew you were one to defend the help! Anyway, let’s go downstairs. Breakfast is ready!” She practically dragged him downstairs.

I stood there, wondering what Daniel was going to tell me.

Daniel’s POV

Melanie had moved in. It wasn’t what I expected to happen but I knew it would eventually. She was all over me at the dinner table, trying hopelessly to ignite a spark somehow. The worst thing was that I hadn’t had the chance to talk to Rose since Melanie arrived. I missed her dearly. I had so much to confess to her. I was going to, before Melanie walked in. I needed to call of this engagement quickly, without any suspicion. I didn’t want to cause Rose any trouble because of my actions.

Melanie followed me to my room. I was about to close the door but her foot blocked the door.

“Aren’t you going to invite me in?”

“I’m tired, Melanie. Go to sleep.”

“But-“ I closed the door before she could speak. I looked at the clock. It was fifteen minutes to eleven. I’d written Rose a note to meet me in my room instead of the gazebo but I was worried if she would see Melanie.

I heard a knock on my door. I eagerly opened it to find Rose waiting.

“I got your note.”

“Good, come in.” I locked the door. I turned around. She looked upset.

“What’s the matter?”

“You and Melanie- Never mind. Forget I said anything.”

“No, tell me.”

“I hated seeing her with you.” She confessed.

“There is no me and Melanie. You know how she is.”

Rose nodded. I hadn’t convinced her. I needed to tell her how I felt about her.

“Look, Rose I-“

“Daniel? Who are you talking to? Why is this door locked?” My mother knocked on the door.

Rose looked for a place to hide.

I opened the study door. “In here.” I said to her. She quickly ran in.

I unlocked the door. “I was talking to myself, mother.”

“Oh, I thought Melanie would be in here.”

“Why would she be?”

“You two ought to spend more time together. You are engaged, after all.”

“What are you suggesting?” i said, my eyes narrowing I knew what she meant.

“Look, the tension between you two is as clear as day. Maybe if you were to…reconnect…in some way-“

“Mother, are you asking me to sleep with her?!” I was angry yet disappointed at the same time. “I don’t love her and I never will! I can’t marry someone I have no feelings for-“

“Keep your voice down! I would not have the Harrington name ruined! I know you both have feelings for each other. You’re young; you don’t know what you want. I’m not forcing you, Daniel. But make an effort! She’ll be spending a lot of time here and I want this wedding to go to plan!” she walked out. I quickly locked the door. As soon as the door closed, Rose came out.

“Is she serious? You can’t-“

“I’m not going to. She can do and say what she wants. I will find a way for us to be together.”