Having concluded their conversation on a somewhat melancholic note, the girls went to sleep. Maria tried to fall asleep, but her thoughts were keeping her awake.

"It's impossible for Matthew to be interested in me; we've just met," she pondered. "Isabella is probably just jealous. Yes, Matthew seems charming, kind, intelligent..." And at that moment, an image of Derek, who had also been kind and pleasant until he revealed his dark side, appeared in her imagination.

She realized that perhaps she shouldn't rush to conclusions. "What if she's right?" The thought squeezed her from within, and looking at the sleeping Isabella, she considered that maybe avoiding close contact with Matthew would be wise.

After contemplating this for some time, she fell asleep.

Maria woke up earlier than yesterday. The stars were still shining outside, but Isabella was still asleep. Deciding not to wake her, Maria went to have breakfast earlier, hoping to avoid awkward encounters.

Having quickly gathered herself, she headed to the dining room, where she was one of the first to arrive. Without wasting time, she ate and then went to the butler's office to receive new assignments for the day.

Knocking on the door, she entered the office. Sir Thomas was engrossed in his work, studying records. The sight of the first rays of sunlight made her wonder, "Did he sleep at all?"

"Good morning, Miss Maria," the butler said, tearing himself away from the papers, with a polite smile.

"Good morning, sir," she replied.

"Yesterday you handled the tasks excellently. I remember you have skills in restoring works of art..."

"Yes, sir," she answered with a slight excitement in her voice.

"Then I want to assign you the restoration of a painting. Nothing complicated, just one that got dirty and needs cleaning."

"With pleasure, Sir Thomas!" Finally, she got the opportunity to engage in what she truly loved!

"Then please follow me," he said. With these words, they left the house and headed to a small annex.

It was a small, bright room with various tools lying around, an easel, and different materials. At the sight of this place, memories of her room, where she lived and painted pictures, flooded over her.

"Here, you will work. If you need anything, you can contact me or the head maid. You can work at any time convenient for you. Is everything clear?"

"Yes, I understand," she said. With these words, they left the room and went for the painting.

Entering one of the rooms, an elderly man said, "This is the painting that needs cleaning. I will send someone from the men to help remove it and bring it to you..."

"No need, I'll do it myself," a soft male voice spoke from behind them.

They both turned around and looked at Matthew.

"Good morning, Thomas," he said calmly and confidently, looking at the butler.

"Good morning," replied Thomas, nodding slightly. Glancing at Maria, he added, "In that case, I'll leave you. - with these words, he left, leaving Maria and Matthew alone.