Chapter 44 - 44

"Don't worry too much Sophia, we all make mistakes. As long as you don't repeat your mistake, then I'll forgive you."

"S-so you won't fire me?"

"No,besides it was partially my fault you fainted."

"What do you mean Lady Melissa? It wasn't your fault at all."

"It was, I should've known you were tired from being overworked and instead of choosing you, I should have chosen another maid instead."

"That wasn't your fault at all Lady Melissa, and besides if I didn't want to go with you I would've told you. So you needn't feel guilty about anything, it was completely my fault."

"No, I should've known instead of forcing you to go with me."

Lady Melissa forcefully insisted that it was all her fault and that she had played a major part in Sophia's physical health.

"No. Lady Melissa, listen to me, none of this was your fault, I know how much you think it was your fault but it wasn't and it will never be, so stop being so stubborn and accept that none of this was your fault."

"I guess you're right…."

"So you'll promise me you'll stop blaming yourself?"

"Fine…"

"By the way Sophia, did you have any dreams or anything when you were asleep?"

"Oh, I think I had a dream…. Though I don't recall what it was."

That was a lie, Lady Melissa had seen how pale Sophia's face had become the very moment Sophia had said those words.

Lady Melissa was 100 percent sure that Sophia had dreamt about something. Though she wasn't sure why Sophia was lying to her, she couldn't force the truth out of Sophia.

Nor could she manipulate Sophia to tell her, she wanted Sophia to tell her out of her own will and not because she felt pressured.

Lady Melissa wanted Sophia to trust her,and she didn't mind waiting for Sophia to finally be able to trust her.

"Lady Melissa, how was your sleep though? Did you sleep comfortably? And how was your little lunch date with Duke Gaston ?"

Sophia's face turned into that of a smirk when she had asked the last question while Lady Melissa's face had turned bright red like a tomato.

"I slept quite well actually."

That was a complete lie, but Lady Melissa couldn't tell Sophia she had a nightmare about Sophia could she?

"It wasn't a lunch date."

"Sure it isn't Lady Melissa."

"No- I swear it isn't."

Lady Melissa tried to convince Sophia, but Sophia said nothing, only giving her mistress a sly grin.

Lady Melissa sighed, Sophia wasn't buying it at all.

"It went fine...it wasn't that bad, besides a few awkward moments with me and Duke Gaston every now and then."

"That's good to hear, though what did you guys talk about?"

"Actually about that..." Lady Melissa quickly averted her gaze from Sophia to something else.

Before quickly deciding to avert it to the window.

'Shit I hope I don't look too suspicious to Sophia.'

"Oh Sophia, look the weather's nice today!"

Lady Melissa said, trying to change the topic.

"What are you talking about Lady Melissa?It looks like it's about to rain..."

"OH YEAH I KNEW THAT! I WAS JUST TESTING YOU."

"Why are you acting so suspicious, Lady Melissa...Are you hiding something from me?"

"What no-"

"Then stop averting my gaze and tell me what you and Duke Gaston talked about. Unless you don't trust me..."

"Fine."

With a sigh Lady Melissa made eye contact with Sophia.

"Me and Duke Gaston talked about a business plan, the Mieth family is planning to invest some money in the Shayla families' mines."

The reason why Lady Melissa had averted her gaze from Sophia was because she didn't want to lie to Sophia.

But well she couldn't do anything much about it now, she had to either lie or tell the truth to Sophia.

And as much as she didn't want to lie to Sophia, she simply had no choice but to lie, or tell the truth to her.

But...she couldn't tell anyone the truth yet, not this early at least,

Lady Melissa wanted to tell Sophia when she was completely sure of her plan and was ready, not so soon.

"The reason why I didn't want to tell you was because it was a secret and Duke Gaston doesn't want it to be known to the public yet."

"Wait so let me get this straight, you met Duke Gaston for a business meeting? To discuss the Shayla family's mining?"

"Yeah that's basically it.

Sorry for hiding it from you Sophia."

"No that's fine, but are you sure that's the only reason?"

With a smug look on Sophia's face, Lady Melissa already knew Sophia was on her daydreaming shenanigans.

"Yes, I'm 100 percent sure that's the only reason Sophia."

"Fine, whatever you say Lady Melissa."

Sophia scoffed, rolling her eyes at Lady Melissa.

"Don't act as if I didn't see that Sophia."

"Sorry Lady Melissa."

"I'll accept your apology, just don't do it in public."

"Don't worry Lady Melissa, I make sure to keep my manners in check in public. I can't bring any shame toward the Shayla family now can I?"

"Good."

"And I'm sorry Sophia."

Sophia had a puzzled look on her face.

"What?What for?"

"For hiding the reason why I met Duke Gaston."

"Oh that?Pshh you don't need to worry about it, it was confidential so I get it, and you couldn't tell anyone so I'm beyond grateful you even told me."

Lady Melissa was indeed sorry, sorry for not being able to tell Sophia the real reason why she had met Duke Gaston, she had felt extremely guilty, but she couldn't afford to even tell her closest companions.

"Sorry Sophia."

"Don't worry about it, Lady Melissa! You've got nothing to apologize for."

Sophia said, trying her best to cheer up Lady Melissa, who all of a sudden seemed to be in a sour mood.

"Are you sure?"

Yeah I'm completely sure Lady Melissa, if this happens again you can just say you don't want to tell me and I'll be okay with it, besides you're fine if I don't want to tell you about some things so it should be okay for you as well to do the same."

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