Chapter 27

The sound of footsteps disappeared, and silence filled the corridor, one that still held the awkwardness that Eve had felt a couple of seconds ago.

Her eyes now shifted from one end of the corridor to look at Vincent, who looked in the direction of where the butler had disappeared. His eyes suddenly snapped to meet her eyes.

“Stare more and I will believe that you have unrequited feelings for me,” stated Vincent, the coppery red colour in his eyes more distinct today compared to the last time she had seen.

Eve wasn’t amused by his words, and she asked him, “Are you always like this?”

“Like what?” Vincent subtly yet unconsciously ran his tongue across his canine.

“As if you woke up on the wrong side of the bed,” replied Eve, staring back at him.

Vincent took a step towards her, and Eve instantly took one backwards. Her reaction brought mirth to his eyes, and he smiled, that revealed his perfectly aligned teeth. He leaned his upper body very subtly and answered her,

“I always wake up on that side of the bed. Because that is the only right side.” He then questioned, “What were you and my lovely sister talking about?”

“Nothing in particular. Just the general things,” answered Eve, noticing his eyes slightly narrow at her.

“And that is?” His voice drawled, waiting for her to explain. He sighed, “It must be a curse to be born smart while the rest are slow.”

Did he just call her dumb? Eve asked in her mind and sent a small glare his way.

All traces of smile on Vincent’s face had disappeared, and he tilted his head before asking her,

“Miss Barlow, did you just glare at your employer? It seems like you are in need of a little punishment for your disobedience.”

Eve nervously smiled and shook her head, “I wouldn’t dare, Master Vincent.”

He stared at her for two seconds before questioning, “So what were you two women talking about?”

She wondered why he was so intent on wanting to know about their conversation. She replied, “It was about my aunt being a former governess and then about the last governess. Why?”

Vincent’s lips twisted, and so did the look in his eyes. A soft chuckle escaped from his sinful full lips that had her feeling confused.

“Why? Let us just say that Marceline is bad news.”

Eve gave him an apprehensive look, unsure if this was some sort of test for her, “You are her brother.”

“Which is precisely why I am warning you. The farther you stay away from the members of this family and concentrate only on your work, it would be that much better for you. Do you understand my words, little girl?”

The term little girl had a nerve pop on Eve’s forehead. It reminded her of the rainy evening when she had met Vincent for the first time.

“I am here as Miss Allie’s governess and am not interested in anything more than that,” Eve stood her ground without blinking away from him.

Vincent clicked his tongue and offered a charming snake-like smile, “That’s good to know. Also it seems like you find it hard not to poke your nose where it’s not needed.”

“What do you mean?” Questioned Eve, and she found Vincent staring into her eyes as if looking for something.

“Let me give you a little advice. Try not to get into trouble and stick to your work. Aye?” Vincent slipped his hands into his trousers pockets.

Eve opened her mouth, ready to argue, but then she closed it. It was just a piece of simple advice, and as simple as it was, it was hard for her to follow.

“Also, it might be wise to avoid crossing paths with Charles. He isn’t too pleased with how you shared your lunch with him a few days ago,” stated Vincent, and he brought his hand to check his nails.

Eve felt dread crawl up her spine. She had been trying to avoid running into any of the Moriarty family members, especially Charles. Of course, her luck wasn’t good enough to avoid Allie’s mother, who glared at her when she noticed Eve in the corridor.

“Yes, Master Vincent,” Eve bowed her head.

“What did dear Marceline tell you about the previous governess?” Vincent questioned her, dropping his hand back to his side.

“That… the previous governess didn’t treat Miss Allie well and was fired from here,” replied Eve, and Vincent, who heard it laughed as if he was amused by what she said.

“Is it not true?” confused, Eve asked him, and Vincent shook his head.

“Oh, it is very true. Truer than it could be,” there was a smile of mischief on Vincent’s lips and humour on his face. He said, “You should get to work. I don’t like tardiness.”

Eve agreed, and after a second of an awkward pause, she hurried herself to the piano room.

The little girl was a delight compared to her other family members, making Eve wonder how Allie turned out to be so well behaved. Even though Vincent was not Lady Annalise’s biological son, it felt like they belonged to the same flock of feathers.

Two hours passed, and Allie pushed the notebook she had been writing.

Eve stared at the writing, trying to understand what was written as it was a mess. Allie, who noticed this, her shoulders drooped.

“Do not be disheartened, Miss Allie. In time, you will be able to improve your handwriting. I was once told that messy handwriting is the one that holds the most intelligence,” Eve tried to cheer up Allie.

But Allie wasn’t a human child to blindly follow Eve’s words. At the same time, the little girl who was turning fond of Eve half-believed her governess’s words to be true.

“Good job getting most of the answers right,” Eve praised the little girl and then added, “Let us work on the ones you got wrong answers.”

Allie nodded.

And while the little one continued to study, Eve couldn’t get Vincent’s amused look out of her mind.

When her working hours as governess came to an end, Eve closed the books. The little girl had continued to stay in the room. Allie hadn’t tried to follow Eve again like what had happened the second day of her work. She looked at the girl who was watching her.

“I think it is very sweet of you, Miss Allie. To want to spend your time here,” said Eve, and Allie lowered her eyes. Eve didn’t know if it was because the girl was shy or if there was something that had upset her. “I am sorry about what happened…” Her words were vague, “You must miss the governess.”

Allie looked up from the ground, and she blinked at Eve.

The little girl then picked up her book and started to scribble something. Curious, Eve took a few steps closer to see what the girl was upto. Allie had drawn a stick woman.

“That’s uh—fascinating drawing,” remarked Eve, and Allie shook her head.

The little girl pointed her finger at Eve. “This is me?” Eve asked again, but the girl only shook. “Well, it looks like a woman…”

Eve rubbed the back of her neck and, after a few seconds, asked, “Governess? The previous governess?” And Allie nodded.

The little girl then put a little ‘x’ on the stick