Chapter 5
Jason's grandma, Jaylee Arnold, praised her for being so sensible, and even Jason's mother, Giselle Arnold, called her sweet and well-behaved. Even the girls who usually acted all high and mighty were happy to chat with her.
And me?
I sat at the head of the table, watching it all like a fool.
Honestly, I was happy for her.
I thought she'd finally been accepted.
That was so dumb of me.
"I know," I said.
I picked up my coffee cup and took a sip.
"Anything going on with Martha?" I asked.
Sara paused, looking a bit confused. "Martha? You mean that servant girl who does the rough work?"
"Yeah," I replied.
Sara thought for a moment. "Nothing much from her side. Someone saw her coming back from the pond earlier, her eyes all red like she'd been crying.
"When they asked what was up, she just said she was fine and slipped back to the servants' quarters."
I nodded.
"Keep an eye on her," I said.
Sara looked a bit confused, but she still nodded. "Yes."
As evening fell, I changed into a fresh outfit and headed for the front courtyard.
As I passed by the garden, I spotted someone standing behind the rockery.
It was Martha.
She'd changed into clean clothes, her hair was neatly combed, and she'd even touched up her makeup.
She looked a lot better now—not nearly as messy as before.
But her eyes were still puffy and red.
When she saw me, she quickly lowered her head and moved out of my way.
She looked utterly meek and submissive.
I ignored her and kept walking.
But just as I took a couple steps, I heard a quiet sniffle behind me.
It was barely audible, just a faint sound, like she was desperately trying to hold back, but couldn't help letting that tiny sob escape.
I turned around.
Martha was covering her eyes with the back of her hand, her shoulders shaking as she tried to stifle her tears.
A few servant girls passing by saw her and shot each other confused looks.
"Hey, Martha, are you okay?" one of the girls asked.
"It's nothing." Martha shook her head, her voice raspy. "I'm fine, just got a bit of sand in my eye."
Sand in her eye? Really?
I couldn't help but laugh.
It was that old excuse again.
The servant girls glanced at Martha and then at me, their gazes turning a bit complicated.
I didn't bother responding and just turned to leave.
But I'd barely taken a few steps when a sudden commotion erupted behind me.
"Mr. Robertson is here," someone called out.
"Mr. Robertson," the servants chorused.
I kept walking.
"Stop." Jason's voice rang out from behind me.
I acted like I didn't hear him.
His footsteps grew closer.
Jason blocked my path, standing right in front of me.
He looked angry.
"I told you to stop. Didn't you hear me?" he said coldly.
I looked up at him.
"I heard you," I replied.
"So why didn't you stop?" Jason demanded.
"Didn't feel like it," I shot back.
His expression turned sour.
Seeing him like that, I couldn't help but want to laugh.
Back in my previous life, I was constantly walking on eggshells around him, scared he'd get pissed at me.
Whatever he said, I just did it. Whatever he wanted, I went along without a second thought.
And what did I get for it?
He complained I was too clingy.
Now that I was not all over him anymore, he was still not happy.
Seriously, he was impossible to please.
"Adelynn," Jason lowered his voice, "are you just itching for a fight today or what?"
I didn't say a word.
He glanced over my shoulder.
I followed his gaze.
Martha was still standing by the rockery, head down, hands twisted together, shrinking into herself like she wished she could disappear.
The other servant girls were already gone.
She was left standing there all alone.
Jason frowned.
"What's up with her?" he asked.
"No idea," I replied.
"No idea?" Jason's gaze turned cold. "She was fine a minute ago. The moment she saw you, she started crying—and you claim you have no idea?"
I stared right back at him.
"What, Mr. Robertson, you think I bullied her?" I shot back.
He stayed silent.
But his eyes gave him away.
I couldn't help but laugh. "Since you're so sure, why even ask me?"
Jason frowned. "Adelynn, what's with that attitude?"
"What attitude?" I stepped right up to him, closing in.
He saw me coming and, without even thinking, actually took a step back.
I laughed.
In my previous life, he never backed down because he knew I'd always chase after him.
But this time, things were different.
This time, I was the one closing in, and he was the one backing away.
"Mr. Robertson," I said, "since you're so worried about her, why don't you just go ask her yourself? What are you asking me for?"
With that, I walked right past him.
Jason called out behind me. "Adelynn, stop right there."
I didn't even look back.
I kept walking until I hit the front courtyard.
Sara caught up to me, panting.
Sara caught up, panting, "Miss Arnold, why are you walking so fast? Mr. Robertson was shouting for you."
"Let him shout," I replied.