~Agathe~ The pain is overwhelming and the truth is too much to bear. The realization that I have been deceived and lied to, even by my own mother, is agonizing.The pain was so intense that it numbed my entire body, making me paralyzed. Despite desperately pounding my chest multiple times, the pain stubbornly persisted.I couldn't recognize my voice anymore from too much sobbing. But, I couldn't care less because I was in so much pain.How could my mother keep the truth hidden from me? Out of all people, she should have been the one to stand by my side.She was supposed to be the one to tell everything to me. I am her daughter, her own family.How could she betray me like this?I woke up with no recollection of everything that happened between me and Gunther. However, that didn't mean I wouldn't notice the physical signs.Four years ago, if my memory serves me right, I repeatedly asked her about the strange scars on my body, the sudden weight gain, and why the bloody hell my stomach
~Agathe~It was quite odd seeing myself wearing a dark wig with bangs, thick brown-framed glasses that covered half of my face, and a surgical mask that concealed my nose, mouth, and chin.Yesenia also had me put on one of her spare maid's uniforms.It was a long-sleeved, ankle-length flared skirt, paired with a white apron and a bowknot headband placed atop my head to complete the look.I let out a deep sigh as we both studied my reflection in the mirror. We had managed to sneak into the maid's quarters while everyone else was busy with their daily chores outside.“Is this really necessary? I could simply hide in the trunk of the car, Yen.” I suddenly suggested.“But, how do you plan to get past the reception area in the lobby, young lady? S.G.C. has strict regulations and doesn't permit outsiders to enter the building without an appointment.”"And, I doubt you want the young master's bodyguards in the building to be alerted of your presence, as it would reveal that you had managed t
~Agathe~"Goodness, that was so close. He almost caught me." I murmured to myself as I finally stepped inside the premises of S.G.C.Thank goodness I managed to get away from Calixto. I couldn't express enough gratitude toward Yesenia for her help and I know I will be forever indebted to her for this.As I made my way towards the reception desk, two female receptionists immediately eyed me. I smiled at them even though it wouldn't be visible through my surgical mask.“Good morning. How can we help you?” One of the female receptionists asked.I was about to explain the excuse that Yesenia had given me, but at that moment, I had a sudden change of heart. I thought it would be simpler to tell them that I had come specifically to see Thaddeus instead.They wouldn't need to notify Gunther and raise any suspicion about my presence by doing so. Besides, since I was disguised as a maid, it would be believable to pretend that I was one of Thaddeus' maids as well. "I am here to deliver Sir Tha
~Agathe~Much to my surprise, Thaddeus extended his hand, seemingly asking for a handshake. "To our alliance." He uttered, and I nearly let out a chuckle.With a smile on my face, I took his hand and shook it firmly. "To our alliance." I said, quite joyous because it felt like I had been reunited with a long-lost friend.After releasing my hand, he glanced around nervously. "Should we sit down first?" He suggested, gesturing towards the couch positioned in front of a small coffee table.I nodded in agreement, swiftly gathering the maid's uniform and headband. I also picked up the eyeglasses and face mask from the floor.Once we were both settled in our seats, he let out a sigh and looked visibly stressed. "You're lucky that I have finished all the work I needed to do for today. Though I must admit, I'm uncertain about what we should do first."I reached into the pockets of the maid's uniform I had been wearing earlier and pulled out a small zip bag. Carefully, I revealed its contents
~Gunther~[Flashback, twenty minutes earlier]"You are scheduled for a lunch meeting with Mr. Dupont, a contract signing with Mr. Thompson, and a wine-tasting event with your father, Sir Clermont.”“Lastly, the head engineer has requested your final approval on the latest construction project of S.G.C., and you will be visiting the site for that.”I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the extensive list of tasks I had to accomplish today, all thanks to my new secretary, Wesley.I stood there, hands in the pockets of my slacks, watching the elevator buttons blink one by one. "So, when can I finally head home?”We are currently heading to the ground floor because, as Wesley mentioned, I still have fucking lunch meetings, wine tasting, and site visits to do.God damn it. I can't wait to return home and see Agathe and my daughter.I could tell that Wesley was taken aback by my question, as he seemed to lose his composure and even stuttered a bit. "Um, it should be around seven in the evenin
~Agathe~"Are you alright, Agathe?” Thaddeus asked after a long period of silence between us. We just got into his car a few minutes ago, and I was seated in the passenger seat next to him.“You know, you could follow Gunther to that bar right now and stop him from whatever nonsense he wants to do. I can deliver the teacup to Dr. Wright by myself. I will inform you when the results are ready."He must have noticed the tears that kept threatening to fall from my eyes.It took me a while before I let out a sigh and shook my head in response. “No, I have to see this through. Besides, I was the one who asked for your help. I need to finish it with you.”Thaddeus sincerely smiled and nodded at me. "Alright. Then, I will make sure to bring you back to Gunther's mansion as quickly as possible." He assured me.A sense of relief washed over me, grateful that Thaddeus seemed to understand my desire to talk to Gunther later and offer my apologies once this was over.He finally started the engine
~Agathe~I felt a lump in my throat as I witnessed him become vulnerable in front of me. But, why should I apologize for something I don't even understand?"I swear, Gunther. I have no idea what you're talking about. I can't remember anything. The last memory I have is having breakfast with you and Carlyle at the breakfast nook." I explained and gasped, desperately pleading for him to understand and trust me.“I can't remember anything.” I repeated, making sure to emphasize my words in case he failed to hear them the first time. “I can't remember anything!”Tears welled up in my eyes once again, but I fought hard to prevent them from cascading down my cheeks.I locked my gaze with him, refusing to blink, hoping that he would see and understand the sincerity in my eyes, knowing that I was speaking the truth.After a few seconds, Gunther seemed to finally calm down. He was able to prevent his tears from cascading down his cheeks as well, although he still wiped the corners of his eyes.
~Agathe~I just finished eating dinner with Gunther and Carlyle when Yesenia unexpectedly tugged me to the side, catching me off guard.“What’s the matter, Yen?” I asked her, a bit annoyed at the sudden pulling.However, as I caught sight of the urgency in her eyes, any trace of annoyance I had felt instantly dissipated in the air.Yesenia motioned for me to be quiet and glanced around discreetly. She patiently waited until Gunther and Carlyle ascended the stairs, heading towards the entertainment room.We all planned to watch a movie together that night.“I need to tell you something, young lady. This won't take long, or else the young master might notice and become suspicious.” She whispered.Afterward, when nobody was looking, Yesenia discreetly guided me into the maid's quarters.I squinted my eyes, a slight throbbing sensation pulsating in my head. It felt as though I had already entered those quarters before, but I can't remember when or how.Once we entered the quarters, Yeseni