It was past midnight, and Victorique Palace was immersed in silence and darkness. The only source of light was the moonlight coming from the giant glass windows. However, ignoring the unfavorable conditions, two small feet walked on the marble floor ever so carefully, taking every step with immense caution to avoid tripping or falling. Upon reaching the desired destination, her eyes glinted with the light of joy at succeeding in the mission. Inspecting the room from the crack of the half-opened door, she smiled triumphantly and walked in. Upon entering the quarters, she saw someone sitting on a chair not too far from the bed that was completely occupied by a worn-out suitcase. Faded colors but neatly folded clothes could be seen near the suitcase. Gazing at the very familiar back, joy in her eyes was replaced with grief and moisture. Gulping down the tears, she said in a quavering voice,

“Rose, please don’t go.” Rosalina (Isla’s nanny), who was busy packing, turned her head towards the source of the voice and gasped. Standing there was her young miss, Isla. Panicking and leaving her work instantly, she lifted her up.

“Miss, why are you here? If madam were to find out, she would be very angry,” she unconsciously said in a low voice, fearing her madam although it was not possible. Isla hugged her tightly, her tiny hands clutching onto her dress.

“Rose, why are you leaving me? Please don’t go.” Isla repeated between sobs while burying her face in her chest. Rosalina’s heart filled with sorrow. She knew how her young miss was feeling, and she felt the same. She loved her as her own daughter, but then again, who wouldn’t love her? She was a very sweet and adorable child. She also didn’t want to leave her, but she couldn’t do anything as she was dismissed from her position. The madam of the house believed that Isla was getting very attached to her, and it wasn’t good for her to get close to a mere nanny. However, being very generous, she did refer her to one of her friends who needed a head maid. Biting onto her lower lip, she tried to hold her tears.

“I am very sorry, miss, I can no longer stay with you, but please don’t worry, I will always be with you in your heart.” Patting her head lightly, she reassured. Isla didn’t say anything but kept on weeping. Sighing, she carried her to her room and laid her down on her bed, then gently wiped tears from her face.

“I will miss you so much, Rose,” Isla said in a trembling voice, her beautiful sapphire eyes filled with tears again.

“And I would also never forget my young miss, ever,” she replied with a smile and covered her with a blanket.

“Good night, miss, and sweet dreams,” kissing her forehead softly and saying goodbye to her young miss in her heart, Rosalina left.

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“Wake up, Isla, it's morning already,” Mrs. Freya called her daughter while pulling back the curtain and allowing sunlight to brighten the room. Isla quickly opened her eyes and greeted her mother.

“Good morning, mother.” Hearing Isla’s hoarse voice, she quickly came to her and touched her forehead, checking for any sign of fever. Then, looking at her puffy eyes, she frowned, and knowing the reason behind it, made her angry.

“Did you cry last night? Have I not told you it’s not good for your eyes? What would you do if you got dark circles?” She sternly scolded her.

“I apologize, mother, I will be careful.” She quickly lowered her head to conceal the moisture welling in her eyes.

“You better, young lady, now go freshen yourself and come downstairs to meet your new nanny.”

“Yes, mother.” Replying politely, she got down from her bed and walked to the washroom, keeping her head down all the while. Seeing her entering the washroom, Mrs. Howard left the room and came downstairs. The new maid was standing obediently near the chair in the same position she left her. Her name was Hannah Joseph, and she was a widow with a child. She asked her a few more questions about her daughter, who was 5 years old, a year younger than Isla.

“Is your daughter attending any school?” she asked, scanning her pale face.

“No, madam, she is still very young, and with my current situation, I can’t afford it, but I am teaching her myself for the time being,” she replied while tightly pressing both her hands together.

“Hmm,” was Mrs. Howard's only response as she slightly nodded in answer. In that moment, seeing the young mistress walking towards them, she heaved a sigh of relief inwardly as she was saved from further interrogation from the madam.

“A very good morning, Ms. Maid.” Isla greeted the maid. However, examining her mother’s expression, she knew right away it was a mistake. Clearing her throat, Mrs. Howard introduced them both.

“Isla, this is Hannah, your new nanny, going forward, she will be taking care of you. However, if she forgets your schedule, that would be your responsibility, understood?” Looking into her eyes, she reminded her in an inflexible tone.

“Yes, mother.” Replying respectfully, Isla nodded her head in agreemen