Chapter 48

Tristan POV

The early morning air was thick with a chilling mist that hung low among the trees, casting an ethereal glow over the sprawling estate. The scent of dew-kissed grass clung to the breeze, a hint of freshness tingling against the senses. The sky, adorned with hues of lavender and tangerine, promised the arrival of a new day, filled with secrets waiting to unfold.

In the heart of this picturesque scene, within the grand manor that stood tall and imposing, I sent for Puertelas, the leader of the maids.

“She must return with you,” I sternly said to the guard.

The atmosphere crackled with urgency as I eagerly awaited Puertelas' arrival, my mind consumed by a mixture of curiosity and concern.

I had no idea if sending for her was the best thing to do, but I knew I had to start from somewhere.

Moments later, the door creaked open, and Puertelas entered, her typically composed face marred by a troubled expression. Her eyes widened with surprise and worry as they met my unwavering stare. The air grew tense as she mustered the courage to speak.

“You sent for me,” she said.

“Sit,” I just said. Turning to the guard, I said, “I want time alone with her.”

Brow furrowed with a mix of determination and intrigue, my piercing gaze firmly fixed on her. My voice held a commanding edge, laced with curiosity and a hint of accusation. The weight of my presence seemed to hang heavy in the room, evoking a sense of apprehension.

“I hear that you are in charge of the maids,” I began, pretending not to know already.

Slowly, Puertelas nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, I am," she replied with mild trepidation, her eyes flickering to the ground before meeting my gaze once more. I made sure that I didn't falter as I pressed on, my voice like a low rumble echoing through the room.

"I also heard that it was you who removed Natalie as my maid. You must really wield so much power," I continued, the words laced with a touch of bitterness and disbelief.

I could tell that Puertelas felt her heart thudding against her chest, her worry escalating with each passing second.

"I swear, Tristan, it was not my decision. I was compelled to remove her," she said, her voice quivering slightly, sensing the danger that lurked beneath my angry facade. Desperation flashed in her eyes, fearing the consequences of my anger and what I might do to her.

Well, I didn't give a fuck how she felt…

My brows knitted together, a flicker of disbelief passing across my face. My eyes narrowed, and my anger seeped through my voice, casting a shadow over the already tense atmosphere. "Well, I don't fucking care who made you do it. I want Natalie back as my maid; she must attend my table tonight. And you dare not speak a word of this to anyone, not even Alexa, whom you work for,” I warned her. “Get the hell out of my face."

Feeling dismissed and overwhelmed, Puertelas obediently stepped back, hurriedly leaving the room. I could feel her thoughts racing and her heart heavy with worry. As she made her way down the dimly lit hallway, a glimmer of moonlight cascading through the stained-glass windows, her mind whirled with potential consequences of crossing me.

I guess one reminder that I am Tristan, the only son of Lord Damien, is enough to make her do my bidding…

Natalie had come to my room that night with her face tight, as if she was holding back a scream. I didn't need to be told that she had appeared before me only because Puertelas had instructed her to.

Well, not that I care how she came, as long as she was there.

“Hey,” I said to her, as I tried to make her reveal those gap holes in her teeth. They added more grace to her.

“You sent for me,” she just said, avoiding contact with my eyes.

I got up, took a couple of steps closer to her. Placing my hand gently on her shoulder, I tried to be as romantic as I had ever been.

“Stop this, Tristan!,” she said, pushing me away.

“What's wrong, Natalie?!,” I questioned her, sounding worried. “What have I done wrong?.”

"You must think I am a coward to fall for you," she said, her anger rising. "I am only here to serve you because Puertelas asked me to." She spat the words at me, as if they were venom. She looked at me with contempt and disgust, as if I was the lowest of the low. She made me feel like I was nothing, like I didn't deserve her, like I didn't deserve anything.

"Why do you hate me so much, Natalie? Don't you see that I am making efforts to make things right with you?," I asked, my frustration getting the better of me.

“I don't hate you, Tristan, but I can't be with you, and you know it. Stop making this difficult for me,” she said, struggling to complete the words. I could tell she was having a tough time veiling her tears.

Mate, my heart nearly broke to shreds…

Slowly, I reached out to touch her face, to wipe away the tears that were now streaming down her cheeks. I wanted to comfort her, to hold her, to kiss her. I wanted to show her how much I cared, how much I needed her, how much I wanted her.

“Natalie, I love you, can't you see?,” I said to her, as I tried to take advantage of the moment.

But then, suddenly, her countenance changed…

"Well, I see nothing of what you speak of. My eyes only see the monster that you are."

She slapped my hand away, as if it was a snake. She glared at me with fury and fear, as if I was an enemy, as if I was a threat to her. She made me feel like I was a monster, like I was a beast, like I was a curse.

Gadzooks!