"She's dead. Your wife is dead, sir. I'm so sorry."
Leaves fall, only to return when seasons change. But when people die, they don't come back.
"When?"
It was the first time I saw the man's face. I remembered Lady Moly crying for days over this man. I was angry at him, but I had no choice but to stay.
"She died last night. It was an honor to serve Lady Moly."
Why had he stayed away from home all this time? Perhaps, just as Lady Moly once mentioned, his constant illness had unsettled young Master Castiel.
"When she died, I was there," I said. The young master didn't look at me. Was he too ashamed to speak to a servant?
With his sharp gaze, olive skin, and masculine scent, I instinctively took a step back as I faced him for the first time.
"I want to see her. Everyone, leave the room."
When he spoke quietly, Lady Moly's family exchanged fearful glances. Then, Master Castiel shouted:
"Everyone out! Get the hell out!"
"Castiel! My daughter died because of you! Are you going to kill us too now?"
His eyes burned with fury as his voice echoed through the gray walls.
"I didn't kill your daughter. But if I have to, I'll kill all of you."
The frightened crowd quickly left the room. Just as I was about to walk out, the young master called out to me.
"You, are you the maid?"
"Yes, sir."
"Were you the one taking care of Moly?"
Why was he asking me this now?
"Yes, I was."
"How did she die? Tell me. Was she sick again recently?"
"Lady Moly had a weak immune system. She got sick often, as you know. But lately… she talked about you."
His eyes slowly turned towards me as his hands remained in his pockets. He looked me up and down for the first time.
"What did she say to you?"
"She told me a lot of things. Lady Moly's heart was broken. She didn't try to get better. She embraced death because…" I paused. The young master's gaze frightened me, but for Lady Moly's sake, I needed to tell him.
"She said you hurt her… and she missed you. With her broken heart, she left this world."
Lady Moly and I had become close. Her death hurt me deeply. Her husband, Castiel, had betrayed her multiple times. That's why Lady Moly had prayed to die every night.
"Anything else?"
It was hard to look into Mr. Castiel's eyes as he stepped closer. He was a furious and serious man.
"She said you cheated on her. That hurt Lady Moly. She died with a broken heart. Why did you do it? She was a beautiful and moral woman. She never cheated on you."
He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. He touched me! Without permission, his large hands brushed my hair. I was angry. What was his hand doing in my hair? As I stared at him in shock, he asked:
"Did she also tell you how I touched her?"
I wanted to step back, but he came closer, ignoring Lady Moly's lifeless body lying on the bed behind him.
"Mr. Castiel!" I was surprised by the loudness of my voice. "Don't touch me! Especially not in front of your dead wife!"
My threat didn't seem to scare him. His lips moved slightly, and he smiled smugly. His silent grin was softer than the ticking of the clock on the wall. He touched me again. Grabbing my hand, he shook me forcefully.
"Do you know who you're shouting at?"
His eyes blazed with fury, showing how dangerous he truly was.
"What's your name?"
"Does it matter?"
"I asked for your name, Maid!"
His eyes traveled to the name tag on my chest. He rubbed his finger against it and asked:
"Is this your name? Melissa..."
I didn't want to look at him. I turned my gaze elsewhere, trying to distance myself from Master Castiel. But he wouldn't let me. He grabbed both of my hands and pressed my back against the wall.
"Poor Melissa. My wife must not have told you everything about me."
"I've learned enough! You hurt her! You broke her heart!"
I looked into his brown eyes. He seemed to enjoy my outburst. As I spoke, it felt as though I were betraying Lady Moly in front of her.
"Well, did she tell you how I kissed her?"