---- everything thates from you.


    I told you! dont want you in my room anymore! Leave! she screamed, pointing at the door.


    How coulda ten-year-old girl hold so much venom? Lady Lavinia, I found the ribbon you wanted...


    Oh, its you...


    ---- How dare you speak to me like that? I challenged, lifting my chin.


    I have finished my meal, and I wish to return to my room.


    Who will stop me? You? Ibegan moving forward, clutching the skirt of my dress tightly.


    In this house, everyone treated Rosse like a used ragthat had to change.


    Texpected him to step aside, at least out of respect, maybe even looking offended.


    But instead, he stood his ground and even signaled to the footman.


    I started to believe they were nning to force me back to the table.


    Let her go.


    If she wants to leave, let her.


    That cold voice, almost a low growl like a beast, resonated through the vast dining hall.


    The butler shot me an angry look but stepped aside, and I walked straight to the exit.


    Once I shut the door behind me, I pressed a hand to my chest.


    Iwas scared.


    That mans presence was crushing.


    I didnt want to dine with him againor share anything with him.


    I would avoid him at all costs.


    Thats what I thought...


    but by the next morning, I found myself facing him once again.


    ook I woke up earlyvery earlyand went to the kitchen.


    The maids and cooks looked at me in horror when I started preparing breakfast myself.


    ---- Iknew how to cook very well, and so did Rosse.


    It was part of every womans education for when she married.


    I took an empty workstation in the massive kitchen and began making something delicious for my daughter.


    lignored the malicious nces and the provocative whispers.


    With the tray in my hands, I was happier than ever as I climbed the stairs to her room.


    Iknocked gently, and when I heard her little voice say, Come in, a small smile crept to the corner of my lips.


    This was the first step to winning her heart.


    When I entered, I found her organizing her schoolwork on her desk.


    The moment she saw me, her eyesso much like mineheld that contemptuous look that crushed my soul.


    Good morning, sweetheart.


    I brought you breakfast.


    Its something delicious, try it, I said, ignoring the fact that she didnt even greet me and walked toward her, uncovering the tray to reveal the appetizing pancakes with honey and the strawberry cream the cook told me she liked.


    You need to eat well so you can study hard and be a well-prepar...


    BAM! Her hand shot up and smacked the tray away.


    I tried to catch it quickly, but it ended up crashing onto the carpet.


    Everything I had prepared with love for her nowy on the floor like garbage.


    T dont want your disgusting breakfast! Nana already fed me, and I hate