TOK TOK TOK.
A knock on the door startled Olivia awake. Half-asleep, she sat up, stretched lazily, then shuffled to the door. She turned the knob and opened it—then blinked.
Standing in front of her was a boy, younger than her, staring at her with sharp, unimpressed eyes.
Oh my gosh, why is this boy here so early in the morning?
she thought, keeping her face perfectly innocent.
"Good morning. Do you need anything?" she asked sweetly, blinking like the most harmless eleven-year-old in existence.
The boy's eyebrow rose. He stepped closer, lowering his head to her ear.
"When you go outside tonight, make sure to leave no trace. Unless you want to get caught,"
he whispered, then pulled back with a smirk.
Olivia understood immediately. She smiled and bowed anyway.
"I'm sorry, I don't quite understand what you mean?" she said, tilting her head with a confused expression.
The boy's smile went tight.
"This lowly maid," he muttered. He stepped closer, fury barely contained.
"Not understand... or pretending not to?" he whispered sharply, eyes scanning her face.
Olivia kept smiling. Then she said,
"Why don't you look at yourself first? Even if you are a prince, you still behave like a seven-year-old child. And even though I am just a maid, my manners are still prettier than your trash mouth."
Then she closed the door.
PAK PAK PAK.
The sound of furious stomping faded down the corridor along with his cries. Olivia leaned her back against the cold door and exhaled slowly.
"Well. That happened."
Four days ago, Olivia's peaceful life ended. Duke Herold had returned home with Ophilia, and trailing behind her was a small boy with blonde hair and white eyes, looking like the most harmless child in existence.
Awwww,
Olivia had thought then.
He looks so timid and cute.
She regretted that thought every single day now. His name was Avelvion, the 7th Prince. He was the same age as Ophilia and one year younger than his brother Avvion , the male lead of the original novel.
CRASH.
Olivia turned around just in time to watch Ophilia's favorite vase explode across the marble floor. Avelvion stood there, completely unbothered. Ophilia burst into tears. And then, so did HE.
WHY ARE YOU BOTH CRYING?!
Olivia screamed internally. Beside her, Celine stared with the dead eyes of someone who had given up on life.
That was Day One. Day Two was worse. He began calling every maid and butler
"lowly people."
He destroyed anything that caught his eye. Even Ophilia, the Duke's own daughter, was not spared. Yet, the moment Avelvion stood before Duke Herold, he transformed—sweet, quiet, and perfectly behaved.
Every two days, Olivia would sneak out at night with medicine and food. The boy in the basement still didn't fully trust her, but he never refused the supplies.
You'll trust me eventually,
she thought.
Just wait.
But last night, in her rush, she had dropped a cookie without realizing it. Someone had found it—and that someone had sent Avelvion to her door this morning.
"I'll just leave it to fate if the Duke calls for me," Olivia whispered, deeply frazzled.
As usual, she went to Ophilia's room to help with breakfast. But every time the door opened, Olivia's head snapped toward it.
"It feels so peaceful without those kids around, doesn't it, Olivia?" Ophilia said, leaning back comfortably.
Olivia nodded and smiled.
That's exactly what worries me,
she cried internally.
"If something's bothering you, we're here," Celine said gently.
"Ah, it's nothing!" Olivia replied with her brightest smile. Inside, she was screaming.
Soon it was time for bed. Olivia threw herself onto the mattress and stared at the ceiling.
"Where did he go today? Were my words too harsh this morning?" she wondered. "I need to apologize tomorrow. Tch, that child," she muttered, laughing a little despite herself.
Suddenly...
"Hello."
Olivia's heart stopped. Every muscle in her body locked up. Her back pressed against the cold wall.
Who is coming to my room at this hour?
The door handle turned slowly. Outside, a shadow lingered — unclear, unmoving. Olivia's mind raced.
Open the door? Hide? Pretend to be dead?
The room was impossibly silent, until the silence was broken by the heavy thumping of her heart.
Thud... Thud, thud...
TO BE CONTINUED...