Silence

RESIGN

It's over, Lord Dalgliesh is dead, the copies of the channels are retrieved. The contract is expired, they don't have to pretend anymore. Soon, they will have to go back to society, to her family, to London.

Lillian Linton stared at the fancy chandelier of one of the Ambrose's guest rooms. She wanted to go down and ask Mr. Ambrose if she could go home. As much as she loved the adventure, the thrill and the confusing moments she shared with her employer, Lilly knew that after this she'll be fired.

The contract was the reason why Lilly is reluctant to stay and reluctant to go. Being part of the contract meant she'd get respect from Mr. Ambrose. For the past months they had worked in perfect unison. Sure, they argued from time to time but the contract kept them in line. But it didn't keep them from doing ungodly things. Things that made Lilly shiver at the thought, the nights wherein everything disappeared and only the two of them remained.

Now it's all over. Today everything stops, walls are built back up, barriers are stronger than ever. She's afraid this time, she won't be able to break it down. Today, they will have to stop pretending. Today, she will have to stop trying, because frankly, she's tired. By the time she goes back to London her aunt might already have a new suitor waiting for her.

Lilly got up and stripped out of her men clothes. Today, she will be a woman, a woman who is too heartbroken to even care about the accusations her employer has filed against her.

How dare he think that she helped Dalgliesh get the files? She went all the way to France just to get them back, almost died at sea, got bombed at Egypt and almost turned into food by those cannibalizing Americans.

No matter how she tried to explain, he wouldn't listen. That it was all a diversion, that in the end that bloody Lord would still be buried a hundred feet underground. In the end, she turned out to be right, again. Blast him and his chauvinism! I don't want to give a rat's ass anymore!

Lilly is angry, tired and hurt. Hurt, because after all they've been through he still sees her as nothing but a lost cause, a weak individual, someone who he could easily replace. He was talking with his sister when he said it all. She head all of it, and it hurt. Samantha must have seen her and chose not to let her brother know.

Maybe he shouldn't know, maybe she should just use some womanly reason for her to leave. Because frankly, she's run out reasons to stay.

Lilly packs all her belongings and just as she was about to close the case, the door opened revealing her employer—well soon to be ex-employer.

They both stared at each other, unable to say anything. But Lilly's tired of waiting, so she breaks the silence and utters the one thing he's been dying to hear since the first time he knew her real gender, the one thing he wanted that she couldn't give before, but would willingly give right now.

"I quit"

He doesn't respond for a few minutes.

"Why?"

Lilly wets her dry lips, it was now or never.

"I don't think I can be your employe anymore."

Once again, it takes a few minutes before he responds.

"Why?"

Lilly's strong resolve broke down and her shoulders slumped.

"I don't think I'm needed anymore."

Rikkard Ambrose blinks, is this it? Lillian Linton is finally quitting her job. The only thing he's been trying to do for so long. But why does the thought of her signing the resignation paper feels like a stab in the back?

He says nothing, because he wants her to explain. Explain why she would leave now, why toda—then all his thoughts stop when he sees a tear drop from her eyes down to her cheeks.

"I'm tired and I want to take a break. But I'd get fired if I say that, so why not quit?" She smiles, but it does not reach her eyes.

"I know you probably won't have a hard time getting a new replacement, and I'm sure you'll be over the moon!" She laughs, but it sounds pained.

Replacement? Why would I need a repla—she heard our conversation.

"I know when I'm not needed anymore, so why not lessen the baggage in the chaise?" she jokingly adds, her voice cracking at the end and I try to open my mouth and tell her that it's not what she think it is.

But it is, you meant every word of it when you thought she betrayed you. When you didn't listen and tried acting like your father.

"Don't worry about spending money on me! I think I've got enough to get to the border. I might not have enough to reach London but I'm sure I'll find a way. I always do slither myself in just to make people do what I want." she added. Her eyes full of sadness and I realize why.

How that wrench found a way to slither in and made me do what she wanted, I'll never know how.

I try to tell her that it's not true, but I've seen it in her eyes that the damage has been done.

"Goodbye Mr. Ambrose, I wish nothing but for you to continue what you love the most. I'll see you when your schedule allows it." She smiles at me one last time before she walks behind me and opens the door.

What now?

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Introducing my new one-shot series! Warning: this one won't be as cheesy and sweet as the last one-shots. This will be more emotional, more heartbreaking and more dramatic. Parts 2 and 3 will not be posted immediately since exams are coming.

Also, I'm having a little writer's block on my other series' new chapter. But I already started writing this one-shot so why not post the first part? Don't worry, I'm gonna try my very best and find inspiration so I could start writing again. I really don't want to force myself into writing something that doesn't come from my heart, and I don't want to disappoint you guys since y'all have been supportive. I really do hope you all understand.

Thank you all for the comments and votes! I would love to hug you all but I live someplace far. Maybe a virtual hug would suffice. Also, if you want to talk to me about SNS theories, just comment down below!

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