CHAPTER FORTY-SIX: The Revelation

“Congratulations, Hazel!”

The atmosphere in the mansion is electric with celebration. My fellow staff members have gathered, their faces alight with genuine joy for my newfound freedom. Marius and Mr. Montgomery join in, raising glasses of champagne in a toast. Sammy, oblivious to the true reason behind the festivities, enjoys the evening too.

As the party winds down, I join my fellow maids in cleaning up. When done, I head to my bedroom only to find that Sammy isn’t sleeping alone anymore. On the bed, Marius lies with him nestled against him, both of them fast asleep. They look so peaceful, so right together, like a real father and son.

A pang of sorrow grips my heart. This is the last night Marius will be here. After tonight, he’ll return to his life, to his fiancée, and Sammy will lose the father figure he has come to adore.

Silently, I fetch a blanket and pillow, settling myself on the floor beside the bed. The tiles are uncomfortably cold, but it’s a small sacrifice to let