Chapter 3

Enduring the pain in my body, I went to the kitchen.

I tied on an apron.

Outside, laughter and playful voices continued.

I glanced sideways. On the sofa, Miranda was leaning against Gideon, acting coquettish.

"So when are you going to marry me? I can't wait any longer."

Unlike Gideon's previous girlfriends, Miranda was the mayor's only daughter, and among all the girlfriends Gideon had dated, she'd lasted the longest.

"When do you want?"

"I don't care, I can't wait anymore!"

"Alright, alright. I'll bring gifts to your house tomorrow to propose. How's that?"

"That's more like it!"

At those words, my heart constricted, and the sharp knife accidentally cut my skin.

Blood immediately welled up.

A sharp pain.

I put my injured hand under running water.

I didn't pull it back until the pain gradually faded.

After preparing breakfast, I started to leave.

"Stop!"

A voice called me back.

Miranda's lips curved into a smile. "Bring the food to me."

I glanced at Gideon, nodded, and walked over.

I placed the food in front of her.

She took a bite, then suddenly knocked over the bowl of mushroom soup.

Instantly, scalding soup spilled all over the back of my hand.

She flew into a rage. "It's so hot—are you trying to burn me? Try it yourself and see if it's edible."

A conspicuous red mark appeared on the back of my hand.

My blood pressure shot up. I rushed into the kitchen.

But before the water could run, I was called back.

"Did I say you could leave? Come back!"

My hand on the faucet froze.

I bit my lip but ultimately returned. "The soup was just cooked, Miss Foster."

"So you're blaming me now?"

She glared coldly, arrogant and domineering.

The way she looked at me was like looking at a speck of dust.

Contemptuous. Disdainful.

I bit my lip. "No."

"Then hurry up and apologize to me!"

"I'm sorry."

Three years as a maid had worn away my former spirit.

I didn't hesitate.

But she still wouldn't let it go. She scoffed. "A casual sorry can cover up your mistake?"

"Tell you what—kneel down and eat all the mushrooms off the floor clean, and I'll forgive you."

Her haughty voice reached my ears.

My whole body trembled. I suddenly looked up at Gideon.

He showed not the slightest intention of stopping her.

Instead, amusement flickered in his eyes.

His tacit approval was the greatest humiliation.

"What, you're unwilling?"

She said coldly.

I bit my lip, bent my legs, and knelt down.

"Don't use your hands. You must lick them up!"

Her commanding tone made me pause, but I ultimately pulled my hands back, got on all fours like a dog, lowered my head, and licked the mushrooms off the floor.

Tears mixed with saliva dripped onto the tile floor.

Reflecting my wretched appearance.

"So annoying, can't even enjoy a meal!"

"Gideon, let's just eat out."

Above my head, Miranda's affected voice rang out.

Then Gideon indulgently agreed, "Alright."

"I punished your person—you're not mad, are you?"

"No. She's just a servant."

His casual, indifferent tone reached my ears.

Growing fainter and fainter.

I slowly lifted my head, watching their retreating figures.

My emotions finally broke, and tears poured out.