章 15: Hiding the truth for now

***Back to the present***

Anne thought back to what she had overheard from Butler Alfred, then turned to face her young miss and gently inquired as to her well-being. With regard to treatment, Anne now felt warm in her chest from her little miss.

She reassured herself, 'Don't worry, young miss; I will defend you in all circumstances; I promised your mother that I'll always be by your side.'

The moment Thea shook her shoulder, Anne was startled out of her reverie.

Thea I've asked you several times, but Anne hasn't responded: "Are you okay?"

"I'm sorry Lady, I think I ate too much earlier, that's why my face turned paler," while holding her stomach and feigning agony.

"Are you sure? I think it's more serious than a stomachache," she questioned dubiously.

Anne uncomfortably turns her gaze away from Thea.

She stammered, still planning the next lie, "N-No, Mi-Miss Thea it's a stomachache, I just carried you here inside your room. because. be. cause."

Thea questioned Anne's response as she crossed her arms and arched an eyebrow.

She had spent a lot of time with Anne, so she knew she was lying. Since they were formerly together and she was aware when Anne was lying, she avoids looking Anne in the eyes.

But why did she feel the need to lie? Curious, she asked herself.

Thea mocked her, "Because? Because of what Anne?"

Anne said in a single breath, "Because I want to apologize, Certainly! That's why I want to sorry for not bringing your coffee earlier."

Thea shook her head and sighed in defeat.

"Anne, I know you're lying; I have no idea why you're keeping it from me, but if there's anything I can do to help, please let me know."

"so Anne, would you mind telling me what's wrong with you?"

Thea was now alarmed by Anne's pale appearance. Thea was worried, and everything that had transpired today was new to her. She felt on guard and wary because this situation had never occurred in her past life, but she is unsure of what is causing her sudden anxiety.

Thea accused Anne of lying, but Anne shook her head and said, "No miss, I'm not lying."

Thea gave Anne a long, intense look. She was aware that Anne shared her tendency to be stubborn and that, once she made up her mind, she would stick to it no matter what.

Thea lets out a breath before truly telling Anne, "Alright Anne, I let it pass today, but please, I want you to tell me everything if you have an issue.

Thea considered Anne to be her real family because she had always been there for her.

Thea's comments made Anne grin. "Thank you, young miss; you have no idea how much your words mean to me," she frankly replied.

Anne believes that since her young miss was discharged from the hospital, there has been a noticeable difference in her. It's as if a new soul has taken possession of her young miss; she has become more emotional than she ever has been.

Yet, Anne values Thea's improvements. They are now even more closely connected.

As Anne recalled the narcotics Butler Alfred had been pressuring Thea to consume, her smile quickly faded.

"Young miss, can I ask you a favor?" she said, looking at Thea in a serious manner.

Thea nodded as she became aware of how serious she sounded.

She remarked in a serious voice, "Please just eat the food and drinks I'll prepare for you, starting now onwards."

Thea rubbed her brow in perplexity and asked, "What do you mean, Anne? Why do I feel that it's not a request but an order?"

When Anne stopped, she didn't anticipate Thea asking her why. She must lie once more until she has solid proof, though, because she does not want Thea to find out the truth just yet.

She begged Thea pleadingly, "Young miss, promise me... PLEASE. Because I would get envious if my young miss ate someone else's food and drinks."

Thea looked at Anne's face and appeared to be desperate for her to answer. She laughed at her while concurring.

"I'll keep my word, okay Anne," she said.

Thea grinned and said, "Thank you, Miss," as Anne sighed in relief and encircled both of her hands in joy.

Yet Anne felt somewhat bad for keeping the truth from her little miss. But, she was adamant that before informing Butler Alfred of his betrayal of La Roche, she must first collect the necessary evidence.

'I'm sorry Miss Thea, I've been keeping it a secret for now. She made a pledge to herself, But I promise I would do anything to protect you.' She thought.

Unbeknownst to Anne, she will soon face a threat. After learning the truth.