Chapter 44 Chapter 44
Chapter 44
\- Natasha -
"Are you trying to say the box must have been stolen by one of us?" I scoffed. "Luna, you must not have realised, we are not really visitors here. Especially me and the beta. And ever since we've come around there has been no history of theft, ever."
And I am certain they will all agree with me
"But the Lady's box is still missing," Aria said. "And it is not fair that I, even as Luna, was accused of such a ridiculous crime as stealing. My room and boxes are scattered and searched, yet you think yours shouldn't be because you are not the visitor here, and it is ridiculous for your room to be searched. I insist that everyone's room be searched so that everything can be cleared. Besides, you don't have anything to hide do you? It shouldn't bother you that your room should be searched just to be in the clear."
Of course, it doesn't bother me, but there is something about Aria's demand that made me hesitate
What is she up to?
"Of course I don't mind," I said while I observed her.
"Very well then, we should continue the search. And Natasha's room should be next."
Now I am certain this girl is up to something
"And why is that?" I had to ask
"Because you are a lady and it's just logical to look for jewellery in your room first, instead of the beta, who is a man."
"Oh don't be ridiculous," I hissed. "Those jewels are worth so much fortune, anyone can take them."
"Enough of the talks," Jason cut it. "Let's go on and search everywhere. It doesn't matter who is next. Everywhere must be checked."
I hoped they would check all our maids and guards before coming to my side so I would have some time to sort things in my room
I did not trust Aria. Her confidence worried me. If the box was not in her room, then where the hell is it?
I couldn't even have a moment to question the maid because it will be suspicious
Aria led the way confidently to my room and they all followed
"Search everywhere," she ordered the guards as if she owned the place
My heart was thumping in my chest and I prayed earnestly that the box should not be found here
How will I even begin to explain myself?
With every wardrobe and bag opened, my heart will skip a beat
Eventually, the guards shook their heads
There is nothing here
I let out a breath I had not realised I was holding
Thank goodnessa
Aria looked at me
"Seems the box is not here, let's continue the search then," she said still with that calm composure that made my stomach ache with anxiety
"Or wait," we were about to walk out when she called out. "What is that?"
I turned and followed her eyes. Everyone did
She walked to the window and pushed the curtains. There was a space behind there but nothing was in sight
"I thought I saw something," she said. I was about to drag her on it when she pulled it out
The box. I immediately recognised it. It was the same box the maid had brought to me and I instructed her to hide in Aria's room
The same box was found in my room instead, by Aria
There was a light gasp and Lady Marie shot a piercing glance at me
"You?!" She shrieked. "You are the thief?"
"No...." The word escaped my lips with uncertainty. "It cannot be. I have never stolen in my entire life."
"Then how do you explain the box in your room," Aria asked with mock surprise
My hands shook. I did not have anything to say. The evidence was there. Found in my room
"Please believe me," I said. "Someone must have framed me and kept the box in my room."
"Oh," Aria exclaimed dramatically. "The same way I must have been framed and everyone accused me even without evidence?"
"I am sorry but I don't know how this happened," was the only thing I could say
I looked at Jason for support but even he had an unreadable expression on his face
"I don't even understand what is going on right now," the Lord said. "Such a thing has never happened before. What is the meaning of this? Jason, what do you have to say?"
The room fell silent as we all waited for him to say something
"Natasha is not a thief," he finally said and some hope rose in my chest. "I have known her for years and she has never stolen a thing in her life."
"So how do you explain my box in her room then?" Marie asked him
"I don't have an explanation for that," he said. "First, my wife was accused of stealing the box, and then it was found in Natasha's room. Is there perhaps something I am missing here?"
"This must have been a terrible ploy to ruin the wonderful dinner we were having," Aria said. "We have more than enough to go have stolen what does not belong to us, don't you think?"
"All the guards and maids in these chambers and the one who brought the report must be held accountable for this," Lord Greham said. "And if there is no explanation provided, I will have no choice but to have all their heads."
Everyone knew Lord Greham was not making empty threats. He was very much capable of carrying out what he said
And I did not want the blood of those innocent maids and guards on me. Besides, the maid I had assigned to this might want to confess, exposing me to save her life
"Lord Greham please don't take such drastic actions," I said and turned to Jason. "Please talk to him.
Jason did not make any move
"Lord Greham I do not want to press any charges for the wrong done against me and my subordinate," Aria said. Subordinate? Was she referring to me?
"If my Lord will permit, we can return to our meals as if nothing had happened. Good thing the box is found safe and sealed."
I did not think the Lord would pay as much attention to Aria and even regard her words. But to my greatest surprise, he did and just like that, let everything slide