Chapter 2
As soon as Sidney finished speaking, Wanda reached out and hooked her finger around the sachet hanging from his waist.
"You're so fierce, Sidney. You won't be this fierce to me tonight, will you?" she teased.
The sachet hanging from Sidney's waist was already faded and worn out, but he still wore it like it was his most treasured keepsake.
I knew it was a gift from his cousin.
Once, I just happened to touch the sachet without thinking.
Sidney slapped me, no hesitation at all.
But now, Sidney was cradling Wanda in his arms, sweet-talking her in that soft, pampering way.
"Never. I could never be harsh with you," he assured her gently.
Wanda clung to him like a cat, tossing me a defiant glance.
I let out a sarcastic laugh. "Yeah, with a face like yours, he wouldn't have the heart to be tough on you."
Sidney's face darkened as he demanded, "What do you know?"
I didn't bother explaining. I just turned and headed back to my room.
In seven days, I'd be gone. No way was I going to waste any more of my energy on them.
*****
Early the next morning, Sidney showed up at my courtyard, dressed in his official robes.
"Hand over the position of steward to Wanda and teach her how to run the household," he ordered.
I couldn't help but smirk sarcastically.
Sidney sure had a soft spot for Wanda.
Since I was leaving soon anyway, I figured it was best to toss this hot potato while I still could.
I nodded.
Sidney smiled, clearly pleased, then turned and beckoned Wanda in, who'd been waiting at the door the whole time.
She was so slender that she barely nodded at me before she was already swooning into Sidney's arms.
Her gaze was practically magnetic as she spoke in a soft, teasing tone, "Sidney, did Bianca really say I could take over running the house?"
Sidney gave her waist a playful squeeze. "Of course."
Those two kept up their mushy act for ages.
After Sidney left, Wanda held her waist and found a comfy spot to sit down.
"It's all Sidney's fault; he was way too much last night. I can barely stand now," she whined.
Then, as if suddenly realizing what she'd said, she quickly covered her mouth. "Oh, sorry, ma'am. I shouldn't have brought that up."
She smirked, "But honestly, Sidney thinks you're way too uptight and dull. He hasn't even touched you in ages, has he?"
Wanda kept sniping at me.
I spoke softly, "Guess that slap last night didn't teach you a lesson, huh?"
She instinctively covered her face, shutting up instantly.
After breakfast, I told someone to bring over the last three months' ledgers and put them right in front of Wanda.
Wanda's eyes flashed with irritation.
"What's that supposed to mean? I've only just arrived, and you're already punishing me with books?" she snapped.
I stared at her, expressionless. "You seriously don't even recognize a ledger?"
Wanda pressed her lips together, giving me a venomous glare.
I saw it all, but just ignored her.
But I never expected Wanda to be this bold.
Just as I took my first step down the stairs, I felt a sudden shove from behind.
My hand shot out, trying to catch whoever pushed me, but I still went tumbling down the steps.
The world spun as I crashed to the ground, pain exploding in my chest and the taste of blood flooding my mouth.
The maids rushed over in a flurry, practically tripping over each other as they tried to get us back on our feet.
By the time the house doctor showed up, the pain had me on the verge of blacking out.
Meanwhile, Wanda was clutching her ankle, sniffling and whimpering nonstop.
She'd managed to twist her ankle.
Me? I'd ended up with a broken rib.
Sidney came rushing back, frantic, and didn't even look my way. He was clearly worried sick as he pulled Wanda into his arms without hesitation.
His voice trembled with concern as he asked, "Wanda, are you alright?"
Wanda's eyes were swimming with tears as she pointed at her foot, sobbing, "It hurts."
Sidney freaked out, barking orders for every doctor in the house to drop everything and treat Wanda, still not even a glance in my direction.
My personal maid, her eyes rimmed with tears, muttered quietly, clearly upset for me.
"You've busted your back running this place for years, and now you're badly hurt, but Sidney just calls every doctor away for her? That's just plain cruel!" she grumbled.
I forced a bitter smile and handed her a letter. "That's the kind of man he is."
The maid wiped her eyes, took the letter, and went off to the palace to get the royal physician.
When the royal physician arrived, he wasn't alone. Kayla Foster, the princess and my best friend, came with him.
When Sidney heard Kayla was here, he hurried over with Wanda in tow to pay his respects.
When he saw how pale I was from the pain, he froze for a second.
"How did you end up like this?" he asked, sounding genuinely surprised.