Ice and Flames

3. the secret

*Lillian's POV*

*the next monday*

Mr. Linton,

Is there something bothering you?

Rikkard Ambrose

I thumbed the paper in my hands, unsure of how to respond. I didn't think that he would notice my mood. He never paid mind to how I felt on a normal day... what made now any different? Maybe it's different because you danced with him all evening last Friday, Lilly. Maybe it's because he dropped you off at your house in the middle of the night so that you'd get home safe, Lilly.

Well whatever the reason was, I did not need him on my arse today. My mood had been sour ever since I told Lord Dalgliesh that I would follow through with his plan and I was tight as a coil because of it.

Why, you ask?

Well, I didn't want Lord Dalgliesh to ruin Mr. Ambrose's livelihood. I didn't want to be held responsible for any destruction Lord Dalgliesh was trying to wreak on Mr. Ambrose's business. It was too much guilt for my little self to bear.

But Lilly, how would it be your fault?

It would be my fault because I could've prevented it from happening. Lord Dalgliesh told me as much. He told me, as I was trapped in his hold, that if I didn't comply with his demands, I could wish Mr. Ambrose goodbye or worse, his money goodbye.

I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Mr. Ambrose or his money just yet.

I dropped the paper onto my desk and covered my eyes with my hands. I shook my head at myself and sighed as I felt another wave of remorse crash over me.

I didn't want to betray Mr. Ambrose.

I didn't want to steal from him.

I didn't want to expose his weaknesses to Lord Dalgliesh.

I didn't want him to hate me.

A metallic 'ping' drove me out of my reverie. I took the second piece of paper out of the cylindrical container.

Mr. Linton,

So there is something bothering you. Tell me what it is at once.

Rikkard Ambrose.

As a reflex, I started chewing on my thumbnail. I already knew my resolve to complete my promise to Lord Dalgliesh was falling through. How? Well for one, I could never keep a secret from Mr. Ambrose when he stared at me with those piercing blue eyes of his, so how would I be able to continue with my secrecy and stealth when he was already on my tail about it and the clock hadn't even reached ten o'clock yet? And two, I had made an even more important moral promise to Mr. Ambrose earlier this year.

I promised him that I wouldn't betray him or break his trust. I had made him look me in the eyes squarely and watch my lips as I promised him that I was not a traitor, nor was I ever going to be.

I was in a bit of a dilemma.

Was betraying my employer to keep Lord Dalgliesh's evil plan at bay really betraying him?

Would he see that I did it for him, for his business, for his future successes?

Probably not, no. My subconscious admitted. I blinked back tears. God, this was so frustrating. What was I to do?

I picked up a blank slip of paper and wrote back my response.

Dear Mr. Ambrose,

Thank you for your concern, but there is nothing wrong with me. In fact, I believe there must be something wrong with you, since you continue to address me as 'Mister' when you know fully well that I am not one. Again, everything is alright on this side of the door, there is no need for your attention.