It wasn't as if she expected a grand gesture from Mr. Stern. He was her employer, a man of few words and even fewer smiles. Their interactions were usually limited to polite greetings and instructions regarding her duties. But this… this felt different. It felt… pointed.
A wave of self-consciousness washed over her. Had she done something wrong? Had he seen her sitting in the garden, lost in her own world, neglecting her duties? She hadn't been working, it was true, but she'd genuinely needed a moment to herself.
Or was she a fool to think that one Tea will change anything. she smiled bitterly she was such a fool. He hated her. and she naively thought things were good now.
With a sigh, Hazel finally moved, her steps slow and hesitant as she made her way back towards the house. The garden, which had moments before offered solace, now felt charged with an unspoken tension. The image of Mr. Stern's silhouette in the window, his unreadable gaze fixed upon her, lingered in her mind, a disquieting presence that shadowed her every step. She couldn't shake the feeling that she had been observed, judged, and found wanting. And the nonchalant way he had turned away, as if she were nothing more than a fleeting shadow herself, left a hollow ache in her chest. why was she even worried about this? she a maid for crying out loud!.
She Got to the kitchen and Mr brown immediately said to her.
"Mr stern is up send his meal now hurry"
Hazel quickly did as asked. she grabbed the tray and headed towards me Stern's room. She knocked and waited till Alexander asked her to come in. she opened the door slowly, her steps light and precise. She saw him sitting near the the desk with some papers in his hands. He was in his pajamas. Just like earlier. Hazel quietly Greeted him and placed the tray on the table. She was about to leave when.
"I'll be needing your tea tonight as well."
Hazel froze in her spot..
she turned to look at him but he wasn't looking at her. his eyes were fixed on the papers in his hands.
"yes sir" Hazel simply replied and left.
She didn't know how to feel, should she be happy?.
soon it was dark and everyone was preparing to retire to bed. But she has one more task to do so she decided stay behind and finish it.
She quickly made her special tea for Mr stern. she walked up the stairs with the tea in a hands. she was about to knock when the door suddenly budged opened. and there stood Mr stern.
Hazel was stunned. how... how did he do that?. she gulped nervously. But Alex walked in back to his room nonchalantly.
Hazel stepped in , placed the kettle and cap on the table.
"Is there any other thing I can get you sir?. she asked politely.
But what she got in return was his intense stare. Hazel was confused and nervous but she didn't show it.
"sit with me" Alex commanded.
Hazel parted her lips with wide eyes.
Did she hear. correctly?
The aroma of cinnamon swirled through Mr. Stern's room a stark contrast to the man himself. Hazel placed the delicate porcelain cup and saucer on his mahogany desk, the clink echoing in the otherwise silent room.
"Sit,"gestured towards the empty chair opposite his desk.
She was stunned. Hesitantly, she perched on the edge of the chair, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.
He picked up his teacup, swirling the amber liquid. The silence stretched, thick and heavy. Hazel waited, her breath held captive in her chest, wondering what could possibly be on his mind.
Finally, he spoke, his voice low and surprisingly… warm. "Hazel"?
Hazel's Heart skipped a beat. he mentioned Her name again. she raised her head to look at him but he was looking down at the cup in his hands.
He took a sip, his gaze drifting to the window overlooking the city. "from now onwards I want you to make this for me everyday"
Hazel blushed, unsure how to respond. "I will do just that, sir."
He nodded slowly. "You will do more than that Hazel". Another silence descended, this one much tense. Hazel dared to glance at him. His profile was sharp, almost severe, but there was something… About what he just said that screamed danger. The way he looked at her now? did his eyes just glow? or perhaps was it just the dim light of the evening moon playing tricks on her eyes?"
"Mr. Stern," she ventured, her voice barely a whisper, "is everything alright?"
He turned back to her, his expression unreadable. "Alright? Yes, everything is… as it should be." He smirked. sending shivers down her spine.. his perfectly shaped teeth with slightly longer canines came to view.
He finished his tea, placing the cup back on the saucer with a soft clink. "Your company is appreciated.Hazel," he said, his voice returning to its usual formality. "You may go now."
Hazel rose, feeling a strange mix of fear and uncertainty. She curtsied, picking up the tray "Of course, Mr. Stern."
As she reached the door, she paused, glancing back at him. He was staring out the window again, his face a mask of inscrutability.
Hazel hesitated for a moment, then quietly slipped out of the room, leaving the scent of cinnamon and the lingering mystery of Mr. Stern behind.