The first working day in this mysterious place enveloped her in a quiet, almost invisible excitement. Just as Sir Thomas had promised, everyone around worked so inconspicuously that it seemed no one else in this corner of the building sensed her presence except for her. Immersed in her work, she didn't notice how the evening arrived.

At the exit from the estate, by the doors, her gaze caught Matthew. His conversation with the girl in uniform only intensified her feeling that there was something more in this place than just everyday routine. The girl looked at him with eyes full of love, sharing something with him. Matthew, with an attentive gaze and a sweet smile, affirmed his role as a caring listener.

Noticing Maria, the young man apologized to his conversation partner and headed towards her. Standing next to her, he asked, "Have you finished already?" Maria nodded, feeling the tension of this moment slowly spreading around. "Yes, I'm heading back to my room. And I want to have dinner. I haven't been anywhere since this morning."

Matthew, without taking his eyes off her, suggested, "Let's go together, if you don't mind?" His gaze was intense, and Maria felt something stirring inside her. "But you said you don't live in the servant's quarters?" she replied, raising her eyebrows.

"Yes, but I also want to have dinner." His gaze was insistent, and Maria felt something starting to flutter inside her. "Well, if so, let's go." With these words, they headed to the entrance, where they met Isabella.

"Hello, everyone!" Isabella greeted them joyfully, noticing Matthew. "What brings you here?" she asked.

"Nothing special, just decided to have dinner with you all today," replied Matthew, showing no emotion. In the dining room, they were met with the stares of young girls, directing their gaze at him as if he were a captivator attracting everyone's attention. Looking at him, their eyes turned to Maria, creating an atmosphere as if a flock of vultures were ready to tear their prey to pieces.

Maria felt a chill down her spine, realizing it would be better for her to step aside and not become the object of their attention. "You know, I'll probably come later. Right now, I want to take a shower," she said, leaving the dining room without waiting for a response.

Some time passed before Maria dared to leave her room and go to dinner. She hoped to avoid meeting Matthew, to avoid unnecessary gossip. She least wanted to start her work here with scandals or animosity.

Entering the dining room, she sighed, finding no one there. She secluded herself to have dinner peacefully and then headed back to her room. Returning, she saw Isabella sitting on the bed. The girl pulled her knees to her chest, resting her chin on them, her sad gaze staring into emptiness.

Seeing Maria, Isabella leaned forward, her body tensing, preparing for a conversation. "Tell me, do you like Matthew?" she asked, directing her gaze at Maria.

Surprised by this unexpected question, Maria was stunned. "What? Why are you asking?" she asked in amazement. "I've only been here for a day, and you're already asking me about that."

"Sorry, you're right," Isabella mumbled embarrassedly. "He never came to us just like that, only on business. I think he likes you, so I wanted to ask you about your feelings."

After these words, a shadow of sadness appeared on Isabella's face. Maria understood that Isabella, like many other girls here, harbored feelings for him. Not wanting to upset her, Maria came up with the first thing that came to her mind. "No, I have no feelings for him other than friendship." But seeing that these words didn't convince Isabella, she added, "Besides, I have another man I love." In reality, Maria didn't have anyone in mind, but she decided to resort to a lie to spare Isabella's feelings.

"Really?" Isabella asked incredulously. "Tell me! Who is he?"

Maria began to think about what to say, recalling all the few men she knew. Suddenly, she remembered the mysterious man she had seen only twice, and her cheeks flushed at the memory.

"Well, it's not that important because it's unrequited," she said, turning her gaze away, not wanting to delve deeper into her own deceit.

"I understand," Isabella said, and a light sadness flickered in her eyes.