Chapter 8

JOAN'S POV

The clock on the wall struck midnight, yet I couldn't sleep. I was too disturbed by my thoughts. I laid in my new luxurious bed, surrounded by luxury furniture that seemed to belong in a palace rather than maid's room. Emily had graciously shown me to my room earlier, and the sight of it had left me in awe. It was bigger than I anticipated. I sat up in bed and stared at the place for the hundredth time. I couldn't believe it.

The room was twice the size of my shoebox apartment. I couldn't believe I had been given my own space, complete with a personal bathroom. I actually expected to share a room with someone or even two people. I didn't expect to have a space as large this all to myself.

I sat there, feeling happy and grateful. Earlier, I texted Bea to tell her how everything was going. I also called the doctor to find out how my mom was doing. He told he she hadn't woken up yet. I was worried. My concern for my mom filled my thoughts. I just wanted her to be okay.

Looking out of my window, I could see that it was a full moon. The stars twinkled in the sky. The night was beautiful. Maybe a walk would clear my head. I put on some slippers and left the room.

When I got downstairs, I stopped by the kitchen. I poured myself a glass of milk to help me relax. After that, I washed the cup them made my way outside. I took a walk down the mansion grounds. This place was huge. I hoped I wouldn't get lost.

I decided to take a look around. It would do me some good to get used to my environment, especially a place as big as this one. I followed the scent of the lovely flowers and found myself in thearge garden.

Here, surrounded by nature's beauty, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. I walked around, admiring the plants that I saw. I did my best to divert my thoughts from my mom. Something inside me told me that everything would be fine.

I gazed up at the stars and admired them as they twinkled. I couldn't help but smile. For the first time in a long time, I felt hopeful about the future. I counted my blessings as I walked. I had a job that paid extremely well. I didn't have to bother about accommodation and for once, I would have enough money to take care of my mom.

I moved through the moonlit garden. The place was even more beautiful at night. The scent of the flowers filled the air. I breathed deeply as I walked down the pathway. Lost in my own little world, I failed to notice the that someone was approaching a corner. I heard the sounds of footsteps but it was too late. Before I could stop to see who it was, I bumped into a huge body. I gasped as a large figure collided with me, sending me falling to the ground. I landed hard on the floor with a thud. The heavy impact knocked the breath out of me. To my surprise, I looked up and saw that it was Sir Derrick. I was surprised. At the sight of him, my heart rate increased. He stared at me with an unreadable expression. His demeanor was cold.

"Fuck" he muttered.

I looked at him in confusion. I wondered why he muttered that.

I looked at him, too stunned to say anything. I felt embarrassed that he saw me like this, falling to the ground as if I was a clumsy person. Despite the embarrassment of the fall, I couldn't help but admire sir Derrick. The moonlight shone on his face, bringing out his gorgeous features even more. His beautiful brown eyes twinkled in the moonlight, just like the stars. His huge presence made the large garden seem a little too small. He was dressed in a suit. I admired how his shut hugged his muscles. His hair was tousled, framing his face perfectly. He was like a walking Greek god.

"Watch where you're going," he said coldly.

His voice brought me out of my day dream.

"Yes sir" I replied "I'm sorry"

I got up and brushed myself off. I was about to walk away but I caught sight of a small blood stain on sir Derrick's shirt. It was barely visible but I saw it. I had a gift for noticing small things. I was concerned. Without thinking, I reached out to inspect it. Sir Derrick pulled away from my touch.

"What are you doing?" he demanded.

I hesitated, unsure how to respond. "I... I noticed the blood stain," I stammered,.

Derrick's expression darkened. He looked at his shirt and noticed the blood stain then he looked back at me "So?"

"I'm sorry, sir. I was just worried. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he snapped.

I reached out again. I walked closer to him and looked at his face. He eyed me suspiciously.

"What the hell are you doing, Joan?" he asked.

"Looking for an injury. If I find it, I can bandage it for you"

"Why do you care?"

"I just do"

He looked at me as I inspected his face. I couldn't find anything. The cut was probably a small one.

"Next time, watch where you're going" Sir Derrick spoke "If not, I might have to crush you. Is that clear?"

I looked at the ground "Yes sir"

I wondered why he was so mad at me. I had probably crossed a line by acting the way I did but I couldn't help it. I don't know why I felt so worried about him.

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed that sir Derrick bumped into me as he brushed past me. I turned back and watched his retreating figure as he walked away into the night.