Chapter 9: It's Perfect

"Mrs. Luna, is everything alright? Would you like me to take you to your room now?” Luna lifted her head, her eyes all red from a long sob as she stared at Ariel. “At least there's still someone reasonable around here," Luna thought. Ariel's calm voice had melted her heart, she needed to eat it. She tried to wipe the tears from her eyes but couldn't find her wipes.

“Here, you can have this." Ariel stretched her handkerchief to Luna.

“Thank you. What's your name?" Luna asked as she wiped her face with the handkerchief Ariel had just given her.

“Oh, forgive my manners. I'm Ariel, the maid. If you need anything, just call on me,” Ariel replied, smiling broadly. She knew exactly how Luna was feeling. Staying with Mason over the years has taught her to be calm. She had felt the same way when she first came to work for them, but over time, she had gotten used to their cruel behavior. “She'll get used to it," Ariel mumbled as she sighed.

"Thanks for your kindness, Ariel; I'm grateful,” Luna said.

“It's nothing really. Come with me; let me take you to your room." Ariel beckoned on Luna as she led the way.

Luna took in the extravagance of the polished floors and chandeliers and perfectly kept flower vases as they climbed the staircase. “This house is so beautiful.”

"Yes, it is Mrs. Luna. But I assure you, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Wait until you see your room.” Ariel's face was filled with excitement.

"My room? What could be more beautiful than these settings I'm seeing now? Luna asked curiously.

“Just wait and see."

“Aren't we there yet? How far is my room?" Luna asked with curiosity. They were already close to the end of the hallway.

“We are there.”

"Here? This is close to the end of the hallway, Ariel. What happened to the other rooms we just passed?”

"It was the boss's orders, I can't do otherwise.”

"Hmmmm… and where is his room if I may ask?"

"Boss’s room is at the far end of the hallway, in the opposite direction," Ariel explained, pointing at the room.

"Mr. Jasper is really not going to share rooms with me? But I'm his wife. Well, if that is what he wants, then so be it." Luna pondered.

"Let's see what we have here,” Ariel said as she flung the room door open. Luna’s eyes widened in disbelief, it took her a whole minute to process what she had just saw. The room was so big—bigger than the house she and her mother lived in. All she needed were neatly arranged maroon colors used for the decoration that gave the room a unique appearance. “It's perfect; I love it; I love everything." She smiled broadly.

For a moment, she forgot all she had been through for the past three to four hours. She had never imagined she would be in this kind of luxury in her entire life.

“What do you think? Was I being sincere earlier?" Ariel asked as they stepped into the room.

“Of course you were. I love everything about this room; it's perfect. I wish my mum was…” Luna paused as she suddenly remembered how she wouldn't be seeing her mum, this made her mood change suddenly. She walked slowly to the bed and sat at the extreme. Tears flowed down her cheeks as she became sober.

“Are you alright, Mrs. Luna? What is wrong?”

"I'm fine.”

"No, you're not; you were looking so lively a minute ago, what exactly is the problem? Don't worry, you can confide in me. Your secrets are safe with me.” Ariel said, her face carried a convincing look which made Luna trust her.

“My mum is sick, she's currently in the hospital," Luna replied amidst tears.

“Ohh, poor thing. I'm so sorry about that."

“She has been in a coma for a long time now, and she just woke up yesterday. But I can't be with her. I'm grounded, Ariel; I can't go and be with my mom." Luna cried the more.

Ariel was moved by Luna's plight, she felt so sorry for her. She went close and parted her back. “You'll be fine dear, everything will be alright, Ma." Ariel consoled her.

Luna leaned on Ariel's shoulder as she cried her eyes out, she had just been placed in the most difficult situation. All she wanted was to make enough money for her mother's treatment, but here she was, tied up to a loveless and cruel marriage, locked up in a mansion, locked up against her will, and out of the world. Her dreams were thrashed, and her mom, who knows what will become of her, this whole burden was too much for her to bear, and all she wished for was to disappear. “But will I leave without Mom?" Luna pondered “No? I can't. I'll just have to endure."

"Luna.”

“Yes?"

“What if I told you I have a solution to your problem?"

“What? You do? You have a solution." Luna jumped up in excitement; hope flashed across her face as her eyes bulged out in anticipation.

“Please tell me, how can I help my mom?"

“I'll tell you when you stop crying and do away with those tears. Did nobody ever tell you you look awful when you cry?" Luna blushed a little at Ariel's joke. She was indeed caring. Luna wiped the tears from her eyes with the back of her palms. She sat upright and stared at Ariel.

“I'm not crying any longer. Now can you please tell me?”

"Good. Luna, I don't know how this will sound but...”

“Don't worry, you can tell me whatever you have in mind, Ariel; I'm all ears”

“Urgh… Urgh…” Ariel cleared her throat. "The only thing you can do to help your mother is to hire a helper."