The next morning felt lighter than usual. Thalia stepped out of her room with her hair softly tied back, fresh-faced, apron neatly folded over her arm, ready to begin the day. Her slippers brushed gently against the floor as she walked down the corridor, humming a quiet tune without even realizing it.
Just as she turned into the main hallway, Vicious stepped out of his room too, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt. They almost collided close enough that she had to stop suddenly, her breath catching for a moment. He paused too, surprised to see her right there in front of him.
Their eyes met.
No tension. Just something warm and unspoken.
"Good morning," Vicious began, voice low and calmer than she expected. "How was your night, Thalia? I hope you slept well."
She nodded with a small smile — real, not forced. "I slept well, thank you. And you?"
His eyes softened a little. "I did too. Better than most nights."
She stared up at him and before she could overthink it, she leaned forward and hugged him. Quick, gentle, unexpected.
Vicious stiffened for a second, completely taken aback. No one hugged him casually. Ever.
"Have a nice day," she murmured softly as she stepped back. "Your lunch is already packed — please don't forget to take it along."
She turned and walked away before her courage disappeared.
Vicious stood still for a moment then a slow smile spread across his face, genuine and victorious. When she was out of sight, he ran a hand through his hair, unable to hold in his excitement.
"I'm almost there," he whispered to himself with a quiet laugh.
"She cares about me… even this much."
He even did a small celebratory fist pump.
"Yes… yes."
Then composed himself, straightened his collar, and walked away like a man trying not to look too happy.
Downstairs the kitchen buzzed with movement, stainless pots gleaming, the smell of fresh spices filling the air. But something felt off, Samaria's eyes followed Thalia coldly, her tone sharp as a knife.
"So, she's walking around hugging the boss now," Samaria muttered loudly as Thalia placed plates on the counter. "New girls always think sweetness is a ladder."
Nina glanced up from slicing vegetables. "Samaria, stop."
But Samaria only smirked, voice dripping with jealousy. "Oh please, we're all thinking it. Acting innocent won't keep her long here."
Thalia ignored the sting in her chest and kept working measured, calm. Nina stepped beside her like a shield, handing her a bowl.
"You're doing great, Thalia," she whispered supportively. "Don't mind her."
Lily nodded too, coming to Thalia's side. "Some people wake up with bitterness instead of breakfast. Just let it pass."
The other maids said nothing, just watched some curious, some quietly amused, a few silently taking Samaria's side. The atmosphere tightened like a rope around Thalia's ribs.
Rather than stay and let emotions boil, Thalia wiped her hands and stepped outside to breathe
The garden welcomed her like a different world — dewy grass, soft petals, and sunlight dancing over freshly watered leaves. The scent of hibiscus and wet earth relaxed her instantly.
She spotted the gardener working near the rose bed the same man from the other day. Tall, light skinned, with gentle eyes and rolled sleeves showing faint traces of soil. She hesitated, then waved.
"Hi," Thalia said as she walked towards him. "I'm Thalia. Sorry for the other day — I was in a pretty bad mood."
Fred looked up, smiled easily, and shook his head. "It's okay, ma'am. I understand. We all have days like that." He wiped his hands on a cloth. "I'm Fred, by the way."
"Fred," she repeated with a grin. "Lovely name. Fits a guy as cute as you."
Fred froze for half a second not used to compliments then laughed nervously. "Thank you, that's… kind of you to say."
They began talking casually about the plants, where he grew up, how early he wakes to water the garden. Thalia found herself relaxing, enjoying the simplicity of a normal conversation, no tension, no eyes watching her.
A soft voice interrupted them.
"Miss Thalia…" Lily's voice trailed shyly as she approached. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I've been looking for you."
Thalia turned to her. "We were just talking."
Fred nodded politely. "Nice speaking with you again."
"Same here," Thalia replied gently. Then she walked back with Lily toward the house.
On their way in, Lily kept glancing back at the garden. Once. Twice. Again.
Thalia noticed — and a smirk crept onto her face.
"Lily," she crossed her arms lightly, teasing but observant. "Do you like him?"
Lily's cheeks flushed pink. "Huh? What? Me? N-no, I was just—"
Thalia raised a brow. "Just what?"
Lily covered her face. "Okay maybe… a little."
Thalia laughed softly. "Then talk to him properly. He seems sweet."
They walked back inside, the kitchen noise approaching again. But Thalia felt lighter despite the tension, she had found a bit of peace outside.