28 A Choice to Stay

28 A Choice to Stay
28
A Choice to Stay

“The young master is at the table. You can go serve his food,” Lilly informed Tessy.

Tessy picked up the last dish and walked into the dining area. Her eyes met Ryan’s briefly, he looked dangerously handsome, his shirt clinging to him, the jacket tossed carelessly over a nearby chair.

She snapped her gaze away immediately and moved to his side, dishing his food with practiced ease. When her hand brushed against his arm, sparks flared through her skin. His warmth seeped into her, a cruel reminder against the cold air of the mansion.

Tessy jerked her hand back at once, forcing herself to stay composed. Her face remained tight and unreadable, her eyes never daring to meet his. She finished serving, then stepped aside, standing at a respectful distance where she could see him clearly.

Ryan began eating reluctantly, his jaw set and his movements stiff. Tessy fixed her gaze on the floor, lost in her thoughts, wondering if she had truly made the right choice being here.

A familiar feminine voice rang through the room.
“You’re awake. Finally.”

Tessy looked up. Margaret walked in gracefully, her gown flowing, her expression soft with a pleased smile.

Ryan swept his eyes over her and grumbled under his breath, refusing to acknowledge her. His anger simmered. He didn’t need confirmation, he already knew this was Margaret’s doing. This new arrangement, this invasion of his peace. A change he hadn’t asked for.

Margaret, however, only smirked. She had expected his reaction. He always came around eventually. Ryan rarely stayed angry with her for long, sometimes he forgot altogether and spoke to her the next day as if nothing had happened. The thought amused her.

Her gaze shifted, scanning the maids, until it landed on Tessy. Her face lit up instantly.
“Oh, Tessy, you’re here! How are you doing? Come with me, we have something to discuss.”

Without waiting for a reply, Margaret took Tessy gently by the arm and led her toward the private foyer.

Ryan’s head snapped up. His fork froze midair. His jaw clenched before he scoffed and leaned back in his chair, his eyes darting to the rest of the maids who stood stiff and watchful at the side.

“Leave,” he ordered sharply, his voice hard with warning. “I already told you I don’t like being watched while I eat.”

The maids stiffened, exchanging uneasy glances. Margaret had instructed them to always stay near during his meals, ready to correct his careless habits or attend to him at once. Normally, they would obey the young master without question. But Margaret’s authority was different, unyielding, almost terrifying. Though she was the head maid, anyone unfamiliar with the household could mistake her for the lady of the house, given how much both Alexander and Ryan respected and deferred to her.

“But sir…” Lilly began carefully.

“Just leave,” Ryan cut her off, his tone sharper, his eyes blazing.

That was all it took. The maids scurried out, their footsteps quick with relief.

Lilly lingered a moment longer, sighing as she rubbed her forehead. As striking as Ryan was, his moods and attitudes were a red flag. His temper, his sharp tongue… the girl who would end up with him would be truly unlucky.

Lilly moved toward the foyer where Margaret stood with Tessy.
“Margaret!” she called, stepping in. Her eyes flicked between the two women, curiosity tugging at her. Clearly, they had something to discuss, but it wasn’t her place to interfere. Still, the way they looked at each other, it seemed they've known each other from long ago. Such a lucky connection.

“Sir Ryan chased us out of the dining room,” Lilly reported. “He insisted he didn’t need anyone watching over him anymore. He isn’t a child.”

Margaret smiled. “It’s okay. From now on, you don’t have to stay near him. Tessy will handle that.”

Lilly nodded and left without another word.

Margaret turned to Tessy, whose face was drawn with confusion and irritation.
“You and Grams played me. Why?” Tessy demanded.

Margaret sighed. “We didn’t play you. You needed a job, and I needed someone trustworthy.”

“Is that all this is about?” Tessy asked, still unconvinced.

“I’m sorry it had to happen this way, without warning you,” Margaret admitted gently. “But Grams is really worried about you. This job pays well, and if you prove yourself, Alexander might even sponsor your studies. He isn’t stingy.”

At that, Tessy flinched. Old memories clawed back, making her chest tight.
“I don’t want help from anyone. I’ll work and handle myself,” she shot back.

Margaret’s gaze softened. “And who said you won’t? You’re here to work, Tessy. But you’ll do it the right way. I don’t know what happened between you and Ryan, but that belongs in the past. Do your job with no strings attached. Act like nothing ever stood between you two.”

Tessy stayed quiet, but her eyes burned.

Margaret pressed on, her tone firm but kind.
“Don’t let your history cloud this opportunity. This is about your future, your welfare. Take it, earn your money, and keep your head high. What happened between you and Ryan should not define you.”

Tessy sighed. She knew Margaret was right. Why was she letting Ryan stand in the way of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?

“But why me? Why did you choose me?” she asked at last.

Margaret shrugged lightly. “Because you needed help, and I needed someone at the right time. Alexander wouldn’t trust the other maids, he knows them too well. But the last time I saw you, I saw potential. I knew you’d do well, that you’d win both Alexander and Ryan over if you put your mind to it.” She smiled softly. “I trust you, Tessy.”

“Does he know about this? Was he involved?” Tessy pressed, suspicion lacing her tone.

“Ryan knows nothing,” Margaret assured her. “He only discovered you this morning, just like you saw. He might suspect my hand in it, since I handle staff selection but beyond that, he’s in the dark.”

Tessy’s shoulders eased slightly. Her resolve firmed.
“Alright. I’m ready. I can do this. I won’t let him destroy what’s good for me.” She gave a short, almost defiant chuckle.

Margaret smiled in approval. “Good. That’s the spirit.”

She reached for Tessy’s arm. “Now, come with me. I’ll show you a few things and draw out your new timetables. From now on, you won’t need to wear the maid uniform.”

She led Tessy back inside, their footsteps echoing through the hall.