Lina sat in her room, her fingers tapping against the armrest of her chair. Her mind was racing, her plan forming more clearly with every passing moment. She glanced at the door and called out sharply, “Bring Luna to me.”
Moments later, there was a soft knock at the door. “Come in,” Lina said, her voice smooth but commanding.
The door opened, and Luna stepped inside. She was a petite young woman with delicate features and bright eyes. Her uniform was neat, her hair tied back in a braid. She looked nervous, her hands clasped in front of her as she bowed slightly.
“You called for me, Mrs. Wolfe?” Luna asked softly, her voice polite but cautious.
“Yes, Luna,” Lina said, standing up slowly and walking toward her. “I wanted to have a little chat with you.”
Luna’s eyes flicked up briefly, but she kept her gaze low. “Of course, ma’am,” she said.
Lina walked around her, her eyes studying the young maid. She stopped behind her, reaching out to touch the end of Luna’s braid. “You’re very pretty,” Lina said, her tone casual. “Such smooth skin, delicate features… I can see why Aurora kept you close.”
Luna stiffened slightly, unsure of what to say. “Thank you, ma’am,” she replied, her voice quiet.
“Relax,” Lina said, stepping back and gesturing to the bed. “Sit down.”
Luna shook her head quickly. “I’m fine standing, ma’am.”
Lina’s smile tightened. “I said sit, Luna,” she said firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument.
Luna hesitated, then slowly walked to the bed and sat on the edge, her hands resting on her lap. Her back was straight, her posture tense.
“Much better,” Lina said, sitting down in the chair across from her. She crossed her legs gracefully, tilting her head as she looked at Luna. “How long have you known Aurora?”
Luna’s lips curved into a small smile, her eyes softening. “A long time, ma’am,” she said. “Since she first came to this house. She… she was always kind to me, even when no one else was.”
“Hmm,” Lina murmured, tapping her chin. “And why do you care about her so much?”
Luna’s smile faded slightly, but her voice remained steady. “Because Aurora is the reason I’m still here,” she said honestly.
Lina raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What do you mean?”
Luna looked down at her hands, her fingers fidgeting slightly. “When I first came here, I was scared. I didn’t know what to expect. I thought I’d be treated like nothing, like an object. But Aurora… she protected me. She was always right beside me.”
She paused, her voice growing softer. “If it wasn’t for her, I think Mr. Damian would have sold me a long time ago. She spoke up for me when no one else would. She gave me hope when I had none.”
Lina’s eyes narrowed slightly, her smile growing colder. “So you owe her everything, don’t you?”
“Yes,” Luna said firmly, looking up at Lina with a rare spark of courage in her eyes. “If it wasn’t for Aurora, I don’t know where I’d be today. She’s the reason I’m still smiling.”
Lina leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. “How do you feel about her being in the hospital?” she asked, her voice soft but probing.
Luna’s expression turned sad, her shoulders sagging. “It breaks my heart,” she admitted. “She doesn’t deserve this. She’s always been so strong, so full of life. Seeing her like that…” She trailed off, shaking her head.
“Have you visited her?” Lina asked.
Luna looked down again. “No,” she said quietly. “I want to, but I can’t. Mr. Damian hasn’t given me permission, and I know he wouldn’t let me go.”
Lina tilted her head. “Why not?”
“Because he’s so protective of her now,” Luna said. “I understand why. She’s carrying his child, and he’s worried about her. But… I wish I could see her, even for a moment. I miss her.”
Lina’s smile grew sly as she leaned back in her chair. “You must care about her a lot,” she said.
Luna nodded quickly. “I do,” she said. “Aurora is like a sister to me. She always looked out for me, even when she didn’t have to. She treated me like I mattered.”
Lina studied Luna for a moment, her mind turning over the maid’s words. “Do you ever think about what will happen if she doesn’t wake up?”
Luna’s eyes widened, and she shook her head quickly. “No,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “She has to wake up. She will wake up. I won’t give up on her.”
Lina’s lips curved into a faint smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “You’re very loyal,” she said softly. “It’s admirable.”
Luna shifted uncomfortably, unsure of what to make of Lina’s words. “Is there anything else you need, ma’am?” she asked, her tone polite but eager to leave.
Lina stood up gracefully, walking toward the window. “No,” she said after a moment. “You may go.”
Luna stood quickly, bowing her head. “Thank you, ma’am.” She turned and hurried toward the door, her footsteps soft against the carpet.
As the door closed behind her, Lina smiled to herself, her fingers brushing against the edge of the desk.
“Loyalty,” she murmured. “It’s such a fragile thing.”
Her plan was coming together, and she knew Luna would play a key role. All she had to do was wait for the right moment.