SECRETS.

Sauntering to the castle with Damian by my side, my head is almost exploding from all of today's episodes. It's been like a horror movie, with nanny Aisha's murder being the most traumatic horror episode. The poor woman wasn't faulty in anything! Why did she have to die? I can't get her out of my head, and Gracia's threat is draining me of all the remaining peace in me, and finding these servants perched in the castle like this isn't settling well with my overworked-up self.


We have always been caring for these people as more of a family than servants. We have employed more than we needed, just to avoid overworking them because we care. They sleep in absolute comfort, and we feed them well. They eat the same meals as we do. We pay them more handsomely, more than they can ever be paid somewhere else in this nation. We have done so much for them, yet some have the mettle to betray me and side with the enemy? The aftermath of their deception has claimed the life of an innocent person, their very own colleague. Are they really that cruel? What on earth do humans ever want?

Then again, they are the same species who crucified the stainless righteous savior, whose only intent was to emancipate them from the servitude of debaucheries and from the hands of their oppressors. Even at the cross, when he was bleeding for them, as His purest blood trickled drop by drop, pleading for their acquittal, they were busy throwing stones at him, spitting at him, mocking him, and cursing him.

Then who am I to expect so much love, loyalty, and appreciation from all these people? It hurts, though, so very much. Especially to know that among these servants that we have treated as second family for years, there are some who can go to the extent of betraying, even at an intense point where blood has to be shed and lives lost. This hurts so much!


"Do you want me to talk to them on your behalf?" Damian utters this when I take too much time scouring the faces of the huge squadron of servants before me.

And yes, I preached them, but the lengthy sermon I had prepared disappeared somewhere at the back of my head. Looking at them right now, I don't even know what I should say to them. Should I fire them all? I mean, a life was lost in this compound, and aside from the fools that were taken away by the police, I don't know whether there are more that I need to be weary of.


"No, love. It's okay. Besides, they need to rest, and we do too." I respond, composing myself.

"Should I wait for you in the bedroom?" He asks, but I shake my head, clinging to his arm.

"No, stay. This won't take even a minute." I respond.

"Okay," he whispers back.

I turn around, noticing that they are on their feet. They still look so weak to even stand.

"Listen up, everyone. You all retire to your quarters and rest. We will talk about everything tomorrow. I just have one request." They snap their lazy heads at me. "If you know your loyalty lies not to or with me, don't even dare show your face to me tomorrow. Have you all a good night." I end my short sermon and cling to my husband as we head to our room.

My mind is engrossed as we climb the long stairs. The antagonist is just within us. We are so close to even computing our breath rate. She said she has shadows around. What if the three guards they apprehended were not her only allies? What if there is more? And what did she want by going through the trouble of poisoning all the servants? Was that only to murder nanny Sonnia? Is there something else?

"Heeey!"

"Mmh?" I snap at Damian as he waves a hand across my face.

"Would you please leave that wonderland you were lost in now? You can talk to me. What's up?" He queries, helping me sit on the bed while he takes his rightful place beside me.

"Nothing. I'm just overwhelmed by all that has happened." I lie.

I don't want to lie to him, but I know how far he is willing to go in order to protect me, and I am nonetheless cognizant of what Gracia is capable of doing just to get what she wants. As if invading our home wasn't enough, she now wants to snatch away everything. Woe unto her, because that will only happen if I am not breathing.

I just need to verify if my mother's death is linked to all this, and I can only do that if I confirm that Gracia was the one behind Nanny Sonnia's murder. It's too much of a coincidence, and after all, it's like she even admitted to committing the murder to me, only that she didn't say it directly. Smut ass! I will get her, and once I do, I won't spare her. I also need to know where she was before she gate-crashed into our home. Who knows, she might be a serial killer, and I might unearth her other crimes.

"We made a promise that there wouldn't be any more secrets between us, love, didn't we? I know something is dead wrong since you escaped the police and confronted that woman. What did she tell you?" Damian speaks again.

He is one sweet, smart, ass guru! What should I do? What lie should I tell him?

"Umh..."

"The truth, Ellie! Don't try to lie."

Shit! This is...

"Haven't you trusted me yet?" He stands up from the bed, rummaging through his hair with his fingers. He is getting irritated. "I'm doing everything I can to keep you safe, but you are doing the exact opposite. Why, Ellie?"

"What are you talking about?" I ask, standing up and racking before him.

"Where are your friends to begin with?"

Ooh, screw me! I forgot to tell him that I asked them to leave. But it was for their own good. Imagine if they were here today. Gracia might use them too to blackmail me into doing what she wants.