Nyx had been residing at the grand mansion for seven days already, with another twenty-three left before she must depart for home.

Determined to make the most of her remaining time, Nyx volunteered to assist Penelope and the maids in adorning the garden. As they worked together to embellish the garden, Nyx overheard the maids engaging in a conversation about their birthdays.

Although Thomas was no longer speaking ill of her, Nyx couldn't help but notice his perpetually grumpy expression.

The maids were cleaning the attic to rid it of dust, and Nyx was permitted by Penelope to go up and see what was there.

Nyx entered the large attic and saw a plethora of old objects, antiques, and outdated artifacts. The maidens were sweeping and dusting the room, and Nyx found many old papers and books, most of which she did not comprehend. She picked up a few that she could understand, such as a certificate that Mr. Charles was once an accountant, before becoming the owner of a stock market company. Nyx then came across a marriage certificate for Charles and Penelope from 1865, which made her think, "It took them eight years to give birth to Thomas? He was born in 1873. Perhaps they are facing fertility issues, or maybe they simply do not wish to have more children."

It appears that Nyx is uncovering more details about the Lancaster family within this attic. As she perused the old paintings, she came across some beautiful landscapes and portraits. There was even a painting of Mr. Charles and Penelope. Among the portraits of unknown individuals, she found a peculiar one of an aristocrat with sophisticated clothes, and another of an old woman dressed like a widow. There was also a painting of a lady, adorned in elegant garments whose face... bore a striking resemblance to the ghost she had encountered.

Nyx was still transfixed on the painting, her eyes watering as she studied the lady's face, trying to confirm whether it was indeed the same as the ghostly figure she encountered [https://img.wattpad.com/8433dfc4cd01bb2570df9fa3956e91fe32d12351/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f35327278413650764f7a6b6e6d773d3d2d313336303735373536352e313737316261306262626437396463343336313533393730343939342e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

Nyx was still transfixed on the painting, her eyes watering as she studied the lady's face, trying to confirm whether it was indeed the same as the ghostly figure she encountered. A tear fell from her right eye from fear as she gazed at the portrait for at least five minutes, lost in thought, until...

"Nyx?" spoke Ann, with a composed expression but a quizzical tone, who had appeared behind her. "Why are you staring at this painting?"

Nyx was surprised, as Ann had never before acknowledged her presence, except for her encounter with Thomas. It is unusual for her to take an interest in Nyx's observation of anything.

"I am just looking around the attic, as my aunt has given me permission to do so," replied Nyx.

"But you have been staring at this particular painting for quite some time." inquired Ann with a quizzical expression "Do you know Seraphina?"

"Who is Seraphina?" Nyx inquired with curiosity.

Ann gestured to the painting, "You stare at her for so long and yet you do not know her name?"

Nyx hesitated for a moment before deciding to confide in Ann about the ghostly apparition she had encountered.

"A few nights ago, I saw a ghost... and she looked exactly like..." Nyx trailed off, gesturing towards the portrait.

Ann arched an eyebrow, scrutinizing both the portrait and Nyx for a moment.

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"Nonsense," Ann declared dismissively. "We shall discuss this matter at another time." With that, Ann resumed her work, leaving Nyx to ponder the significance of the resemblance.

Nyx descended from the attic, her mind awash with thoughts of Seraphina. She wondered if her aunt would believe her tale, or if Ann was right to doubt her. Nyx decided that she would enjoy her stay at the mansion for the remaining twenty-two days, without fear or apprehension.

As the hour of dinner approached, Nyx noticed Ann's suspicious gaze fixed upon her, causing her to become equally distrustful of Ann. Seated next to her Aunt, Nyx recounted her exploration of the attic, choosing to leave out any mention of Seraphina's ghost.

"Auntie," Nyx spoke up, "May I ask why it took you so long to have a child? And why do you not have any other children?"

Penelope choked as she was eating, her expression reflecting concern.

"Nyx, my dear," she said after regaining her composure, "We will discuss this at a later time. For now, let us enjoy our meal."

As dinner drew to a close, Mr. Charles whispered something to Dr. Jenkins, who beamed with gratitude. "I am much obliged to you, Mr. Charles. It is the largest sum I have received in eight years," said Dr. Jenkins, his smile widening.

Nyx and Penelope retired to the old bedroom and conversed about the issue of not having another child aside from Thomas.

"Nyx, I've always had a problem with fertility. I'd rather not discuss it any further if you please," Penelope said in a composed manner.

As Nyx lay in bed, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Ann's interest in the painting of Seraphina. Unable to sleep, she got up and began to wander through the silent mansion. As she walked, she noticed a faint light coming from a nearby room and approached it with caution.

That room was Ann's, and Nyx found her sitting on the bed, lost in thought. "Nyx?" Ann recognized her and asked, "What are you doing here? You should be asleep." Despite Ann's suggestion, Nyx asked about Seraphina. "Who was she?" Nyx inquired. Ann paused for a moment before answering. "Seraphina," Ann finally spoke, "was the former maid of this mansion. She was also my dearest friend."

"Is that true?" Nyx asked with a tremble in her voice. "It seems that Seraphina's spirit has haunted me. Do you believe me?"

"I do believe you," replied Ann with conviction. Nyx was surprised that Ann believed her. "I believe you because the room you are staying in belonged to Seraphina."

"So," Nyx whispered, her voice shaking with fear, "I have been sleeping in a room haunted by a ghost all this time?"

"But it's quite odd that she would haunt you simply because you are sleeping in her former room," remarked Ann, her finger resting upon her chin as she contemplated.

Then she continued, "She haunted you because I was upset with you."

"What!?" Nyx's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Do you remember when I was upset with you after your incident with Thomas?" said Ann.

"I do remember," Nyx said, looking both scared and frustrated. "But it was an accident. I didn't mean to do it."

"It's alright," Ann said soothingly, trying to calm Nyx down. "Let's forget about it. I will try to remain calm towards you in order not to provoke her, alright?"

Nyx felt relieved and grateful, hoping that peace would continue between her and Ann for the next 22 days

"Seraphina," Nyx added, "is dead, right? How did she pass away? Did you witness her death?"

"Seraphina," Ann looked down, saddened, "passed away from pneumonia about 10 years ago. I actually didn't witness her passing. I used to work in other places when she worked here. We were far from each other, we only communicated through writing and sending messages to each other. This mansion 10 years ago had only Seraphina and Dr. Jenkins as the servants of the mansion. After Seraphina passed away, I was employed here due to my association with the same establishment as Seraphina."

Nyx listened carefully, eager to learn more about the history of the mansion.

"After Seraphina had passed away along with her child..." Ann trailed off in a panicked tone.

"Seraphina had a child? And she was married?" Nyx asked with curiosity.

"I... I mean..." Ann hesitated.

"You didn't want me to know that?" Nyx pressed on. "She had a child that also died with her?"

"Perhaps it won't hurt to tell you, as you are a relative," Ann said quietly. "But please don't tell your aunt or uncle I told you."

"What is it?" Nyx pressed, growing more confused by the second.

"Seraphina wasn't just a maid in this mansion, she eventually married Mr. Charles," Ann revealed.

"What?" Nyx gasped in shock. "And why keep it a secret?"

"They didn't want to be shamed," Ann explained. "Only Dr. Jenkins, Mr. Charles, Penelope, and I know about it. Seraphina told me, but they warned me not to tell anyone."

"But I still don't understand why it has to be kept a secret," Nyx persisted.

"Goodnight, Nyx. We'll speak about it later," Ann said, cutting the conversation short.

The following morning, Nyx woke up early despite staying up late. She ventured outside into the chilly and foggy morning and saw Ann at the cemetery. She approached her and found her sitting on the ground next to a tombstone that read: "Seraphina Frost. Died 1875."