(The next morning)
Elara hadn't expected to be rescued by anyone, especially not by a maid. But Jane's arrival seemed to be just what she needed. The other maids, Nina and her crew, were a constant reminder of how small and powerless Elara felt in the Blackwood estate. They took pleasure in making her feel inferior, mocking her with every chance they got. Yet Jane, with her calm spirit and soft smile, was an entirely different story.
When Elara entered the dining room the next day, Jane was there, standing at the doorway with her arms crossed. Her posture was confident, yet there was something warm about the way she stood. She wasn't like the others. There was no judgment in her eyes, just a steady understanding that Elara could feel deep in her bones.
"Miss Elara," Jane greeted her, her voice calm."you can address me as Jane."she also said
Elara froze for a moment, her gaze flicking from Jane to the other maids, who were now quiet, watching the interaction closely. Nina, ever the antagonist, was the first to recover and scoff.
"Look at that, now the head maid is trying to act like a saint," Nina smirked, but Jane cut her off with a sharp look.
"No one asked for your opinion, Nina," Jane said, her tone unwavering. "You'll mind your manners if you know what's good for you."
Elara blinked, surprised. She had never seen anyone speak to Nina like that before. But Jane's was just under authority, something Elara had never experienced in the Blackwood's estate until now.
"Please, Miss Elara," Jane continued, her voice softer now, "come sit down. The breakfast will get cold."
Elara hesitated for a moment, then nodded, walking toward the table. As she sat, Jane moved to her side, pulling out the chair next to her and sitting down. The other maids continued their work, but their whispers had stopped.
"Are you… alright?" Jane asked, her tone gentle, as if she could sense Elara's pain.
"I'm… I'm fine," Elara replied,she stuttered. She had become so used to hiding her true feelings behind a mask of politeness, especially with the maids. But Jane was different.
"Damien," Elara started, unsure of how to phrase her thoughts, "he… he doesn't seem to care about me, or the baby. I don't understand why he's like this."
Jane sighed, a soft, sympathetic sound. "I know, dear. I've seen how he's been, how distant and cold he's become. But you must understand he's dealing with his own pain, though that doesn't excuse his behavior toward you."
Elara's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"Damien… he's been through a lot in the past year. His personal struggles, his loss he's been hurt deeply. And sometimes, when people are hurt, they lash out in ways that don't make sense. But you are not to blame, Elara. This… it's not about you."Jane tried to console her.
The words felt like a balm to Elara's bruised heart. She had been wondering what she had done wrong to deserve Damien's coldness, but hearing Jane speak with such understanding made her feel less alone.
"I didn't know," Elara whispered. "I thought he just didn't want me here. I thought I was just an inconvenience to him."
Jane placed a hand on Elara's, squeezing it gently. "It's not your fault. I know it feels like he's rejecting you, but sometimes the hardest thing for a person to do is accept help, or even love, when they feel they don't deserve it. But you mustn't lose hope, dear."
Elara met Jane's gaze, the kindness in her eyes a rare comfort in the vast, impersonal house. "But what should I do? He won't even talk to me. He avoids me at every turn."
"You must be patient," Jane said, her voice steady. "Damien may not be ready to face his own emotions, but that doesn't mean you should give up on him. Give him time. But more importantly, take care of yourself and the baby. You are just as deserving of love and respect as anyone else here."
Elara nodded slowly, absorbing Jane's words. There was a calm assurance in her tone that Elara hadn't realized she needed so badly. It made her feel… stronger, as if maybe she didn't have to face this battle alone.
Just then, Nina shot them both a pointed glance, clearly eager to stir trouble. But Jane was having none of it. She turned to Nina, her eyes hardening.
"Is there something you need, Nina?" she asked, her tone polite but firm.
Nina sputtered but quickly backed down, mumbling something about needing to fetch more food. Jane's authority was unquestioned, and the maids knew better than to cross her.
As the room fell into a strange silence, Elara found herself able to relax a little. For the first time since she'd come to the Blackwood estate, she felt like someone understood. She felt seen.
"Thank you, Jane," Elara said quietly, her voice full of gratitude. "You don't know how much this means to me."
Jane smiled warmly, her expression softening. "I'll be here for you, Elara. Don't forget that. You deserve happiness, too."
And for the first time in a long while, Elara allowed herself to believe it.
(A week later)
"You want me to come with you?" Ariana asked again to be sure
"Of course, you shouldn't stay in your room at all times, staying in a fixed place isn't healthy for the baby" Miss Jane smiled and she nodded
Miss Jane is actually the head maid here, she had travelled to visit her sick mom that was why she hasn't met her before, she's also the second person to be nice to her, she's friendly and would chat with her at times so she won't be bored, she'll make her medicinal herbs, she'll sometimes take her to the garden to get some fresh air and now she's asking her to come with her to the grocery store to get some groceries.
"Wow" Elara smiled looking around in awe, she kept following miss Jane as the lady picked the needed things
"You shouldn't stay home at all times, you should come out more often" Miss Jane said and Elara nodded
"Can't we stay little longer" she pouted
"No dear, don't over stress yourself too much cos of the baby, we'll come some other day" she advised and Elara nodded again, they boarded a cab and head back
The two came face to face with Diana as soon as they came in, she was sitting proudly on one of the couch with a half finished glass of wine , Elara swallowed hard remembering her previous experience with her