Dim sunlight was filtering into my room, reminding me of the place I was in. Yes, I have been in this house for a week now. During all this time, I have not managed to make contact with Lady Isara. She did not allow me to be in her office with her for more than 5 minutes. She did not like it when I asked too many questions or tried to find common topics. The woman tried to keep her distance. This cold burned me more than the hot cup of her morning coffee. Every morning I went down to the kitchen to pick up a tray with breakfast for Lady Isara. Rada told me that the Lady drank black coffee without a single spoon of sugar, which again surprised me. However, I did not ask the question.

I knocked on the door of her study.

- Come in, - the woman answered me briefly, as always.

Her door was not locked, she knew that no one else would dare to come up to her without warning. I entered, but lingered a little on the threshold. When she nodded to me, I went further.

Marta: Your coffee, Lady Isara. It may still be hot. You'll have to wait a bit.

The woman didn't listen. She took a few sips and put the cup back. I froze, trying to figure out if this was a protest or a peculiarity of hers.

Isara: I don't need anything else, you can go. - She tried to send me away again.Well, at this rate, our relationship will not change. Maybe I didn't want to change anything, but Khun Niwat will definitely be unhappy with this result.

Marta: It's a mess here. - It was rather self-assured of me to say that. - Your books are scattered on the sofa. I think we should put them away.

She looked up at me and seemed a little surprised. I thought she was going to tell me to get out or make a remark, it made me nervous.

Isara: You can put them on the shelf if it's an eyesore. - After this phrase, she returned her attention to the papers on her desk.

I came closer to the sofa and bent down. The books were quite heavy in a good, sturdy binding. Most likely, she had a passion for literature. Perhaps it runs in the family, because as far as I know, Lady Sawika was fond of writing, but unlike Lady Isara, she spent her time not in the house, but in the yard in the fresh air.

I was about to put the last book down, but I stopped. I was staring at the cover, it depicted a burning rose. After flipping through a couple of pages, I was convinced of my guess. It was a novel.

"Even in this darkness, I can feel the heat. Our love is the only thing that warms me."

It was hard to believe that Lady Isara could love something like that. It was both astounding and at the same time breaking my image of her.

Isara: Maybe you could tell me what caught your attention so much? - Her voice brought me out of my trance and I flinched.

Martha: Please forgive me, Lady Isara... I couldn't help myself, I became curious about what this book was about.

Isara: This book "Love of the Stars" was written by Paranat Montri, it is about love as you could understand from the title, but very tragic. You can't buy it anywhere now as far as I know.

Marta: Do you like this story? - I don’t know why I asked.

Isara: I can say that this story can cause mixed feelings when reading, but I think yes. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending.

Marta: I'm glad. That means this story was good, since you were satisfied.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

She looked at me with an elusive expression on her face. Maybe I said too much and it was time to leave?

Isara: You can take it. When you're done reading it, just put it back on the shelf.

Marta: Wh-what? - I thought I misheard. I haven't been sleeping well lately and it could have left its mark on my consciousness. Lady Isara couldn't just give me her book. Considering how she's been having a hard time tolerating conversations with me all this time…

Isara: I've already read it. - She said it as if it really was nothing.

Marta: Are staff allowed to take things that belong to the Sangwit family?

Isara: I already told you, if you want it, take it. Just don't interfere with my work. - She returned to her business again.

Marta: Thank you Lady Isara. - That was all I could say, but I really enjoyed it. I was about to leave the room, but she turned to me again.

Isara: Wait. I want to ask you something.

Martha: Of course, anything my Lady. - I bowed my head again.

Isara: It irritates me to be addressed in this form. So when we are alone, just call me Khun Isa.

She asks me about it and it makes me smile again.

Marta: As you wish, Khun Isa. - With these words I close the door, I don't want her to see the emotions on my face. Suddenly noticing this, she will change her mind and distance herself again.

—

The dark walls of my study, I get up to open the curtains and windows. Fresh air should help relieve my headache, but the sunlight only strains my eyes more. Every morning now starts the same way. My personal assistant comes to me with a cup of coffee, I drink my drink and tell her to go. I see how she tries to hide her displeasure and come up with a reason to stay. Her amber eyes are full of worries, but her slight smile always steals people's attention.

Marta: It's a mess here. - It was rather self-assured of me to say that. - Your books are scattered on the sofa. I think we should put them away.

This was the first time she dared to make a remark to me regarding my place of work. Why does she care and why does she come up with such reasons to stay? I know about the terms of the contract and I understand perfectly well that anyone in her place would be happy to receive money without having direct responsibilities. Is she that bored or is it about her upbringing?

Isara: You can put them on the shelf if they're an eyesore. - I give her my approval and return to work. She starts walking in front of my nose, periodically peering at the covers.

After a couple of minutes, I noticed that she had stopped. Her gaze has been drawn to my favorite novel. This girl's eyes have lit up, which means she has read one of the lines. For a moment, I have the urge to get up and go to her, but I stop myself. Instead, I decided that it would be better to offer her a book so that she will leave me alone sooner.

When Marta leaves me, I sigh. She was happy with such a gesture from my side and for some reason I felt satisfied. Perhaps this book will help her brighten up the gloomy everyday life in this house, just as it once helped me.

That evening I head to my bedroom, but as I'm in the hallway I notice that the door to her room is ajar. Marta is sitting on her bed in light pajamas, holding a book in her hands under the lamplight. Her eyes are squinting as she turns the page. Strands of hair fall neatly over her face, illuminated by the warm light.

I wonder if I should disturb her peace with my goodnight wishes. However, she turns around herself as if she sensed a strange presence from the outside. I didn't want to scare her or ruin her peaceful evening.

Marta: You may enter, Khun Isa. You do not need permission. - These words leave an unpleasant aftertaste in me, as if she considered herself a thing in my domain. Although that may have been the truth in her eyes. I would not argue.

Isara: Entering a room without permission is at the very least not nice.

Marta: Yes, you are right. - She put the book aside and looked up at me again.

Isara: As I see you liked it. If you want to read something specific, tell me. - I don't know why I'm starting this conversation, maybe I felt bad for myself and my actions regarding the past days. It's pretty stupid.

Marta: If you allow me, I'd be happy to. - She smiles at me, but I sense awkwardness between us. - It's late, did you want to ask for something? I can go down to the kitchen if you need some water. - She gets up from the bed, but I abruptly grab her hand. Her eyes, filled with fear again, look down.

Isara: Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. - Her hands are very thin, and her skin is as white as snow. My touch can leave a mark, so I slowly let go of her. - I won't be there tomorrow. I have a meeting outside the city. You can move freely throughout the residence. I'll tell Anon to keep you company.

Marta: No need.. He has his own duties in this house. - She answers me calmly, but I can clearly see that she is upset.

Isara: What's wrong?

Marta: What?

Isara: Why are you upset? You don't have to follow me around, just do what you were doing at your home.

Marta: Khun Isa, I'm afraid we misunderstand each other. - This girl doesn't try to distance herself from me, but looks for words that could put us in our places. - When I was offered this job. The conditions were that I should be near you and provide you with my help. This is my job, but you do everything to take my responsibilities away from me. - She looks straight into my eyes, a strange feeling begins to consume me.

Isara: I don't like it when people interfere in my life. I wasn't asked if I needed your services. - It sounds rude, but I can't tell her anything else. - I think I should go. Good night, Marta.

She is disappointed and nothing can hide it. I shouldn't have come and I know it. After I walk out the door, I hear the last words from her.

Marta: I will await your return, Khun Isa.

Her words accompany me until I fall head over heels into sleep. Her eyes are the last thing I see in front of me.

It was the first time I felt guilty for my words.

You were the only one who awakened my conscience.