Ruins Of The Glory

Ariana slammed the iPad onto the ground with a fierce rage, her frustration boiling over. "Who the hell published that damn article about me?" she yelled, her voice tinged with anger and disbelief.

Her mother, Emily, rushed into the lounge, concern etched across her face. "Ariana, calm down, please," she implored, trying to soothe her distraught daughter.

But Ariana's emotions were running wild as she tried to throw everything that came to her view, broking every expensive piece. 

Tears streamed down her face as she screamed and raged against the unfairness of it all. "This is ridiculous! I can't believe they would do this to me!" 

 Emily wrapped her arms around Ariana, pulling her into a tight embrace, hoping to provide some comfort amidst the chaos. "I know it's hard, sweetheart," she whispered, her voice filled with empathy. "But we'll get through this together, I promise." 

"No. Mom! Nothing will be the same again." Ariana's sobs grew louder as she continued to express her despair. "I'll never trust anyone again. How can I when everything I believed in has been shattered? It feels like my whole world has crumbled." 

Now she was feeling how it felt to give someone else life and live guilt-free.

Emily held her daughter even tighter, her heart breaking for the pain Ariana was experiencing. 

"Please do not speck like this. Nothing happened, as it always does. We just need a plan." Emily whispered softly, trying to comfort her daughter. 

Ariana thought about it and realised that's what had been happening whenever the rumour was brought into the limelight again.

Nicolas, Ariana's brother, walked into the lounge, looking irritated. He had been informed about the article that had been published the previous night, and he was prepared for the storm that was brewing.

"Ariana, why are you making such a fuss? It's just an article." He remained surprisingly composed as he questioned his sister's outburst. 

Ariana's eyes widened, and her tear-streaked face contorted in a mix of desperation and frustration. She took a shaky step towards Nicolas, grabbing his arm almost forcefully. 

"Brother, you have to help me. Look at what they're saying about me! You can't let them ruin my reputation like this. Please, do something!"

Nicholas's stern face didn't falter as he yanked his arm free. His piercing stare sent chills down her spine.

Her attempt to manipulate him with puppy-dog eyes only earned her a deeper scowl.

"Nicolas, you need to take action. We can't just let these rumours spiral out of control. It's hurting her." Emily stepped forward to advocate for her distressed daughter. 

Nicolas let out a dry laugh, the cynicism evident in his voice. "Hurting her? These are the consequences of her actions. Why should I clean up her mess every time? This is her doing, not mine or any Vandeleur's."

With that, he turned and walked out, ignoring Ariana's desperate pleas. Her voice cracked as she continued calling out him, her cries filled the whole house.

Yet, Nicholas didn't budge, determined not to give in this time. 

As the door closed behind Nicolas, the room seemed to shrink around Ariana. She slumped to the ground, a mix of anger and sorrow overwhelming her. 

Emily kneeled beside her, wrapping her arms around her daughter and offering what comfort she could in the face of the storm that Ariana herself had unleashed.

"Mother, L-Louis... What will he think about me? He will not marry me, as I am an addict." Ariana's voice trembled with fear and remorse as she laid bare her deepest worry to her mother. 

Emily held her tighter, tears welling up in her own eyes. "Aria, you need to stop your addiction to him. You need to be you and not your other half." She made Ariana sit on the coach and added, 

"Believe me, I am trying to do something about you two. But that stupid man always lets you down." Emily frowned in deep thought and said, "You told me you saw Verena coming out the patio side?"

Ariana nodded and heard her mother say, "What if-" 

She was interrupted, as Ariana said. "No, mother, that can't be. She is not to Louis's liking. If he can reject me, then how in the world has she gotten the chance?" 

Emily thought about it and looked at her daughter. Ariana had short hair and a round, beautiful face with piercing blue eyes that were rare as no one in their family had one, which she was proud of. She had always been the centre of attention. 

Emily sighed and said, "You know, Ariana, sometimes people are drawn to those who are different from them. Maybe Verena possesses qualities that Louis finds intriguing." 

Ariana scoffed, clearly unconvinced. "Well, if that's the case, then maybe I need to start being someone else entirely. Someone Louis can't resist." 

 …

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, gently rousing Verena from her slumber. As she stretched and yawned, she noticed the soft rustle of a uniform against her skin. 

Confusion lingered for a moment before the events of the previous night rushed back into her consciousness.

Just as she was trying to make sense of why she had fallen asleep in her uniform. 

There was a discreet knock on the door. Before she could respond, Sophia entered the room. "Good morning, dear. I hope you rested well," she said with a warm smile.

Verena rubbed her eyes and sat up, returning the smile. "Yes, thank you. I must have been more exhausted than I thought; sorry, I didn't unpack my things yet," she admitted, sheepishly glancing down at her still-worn uniform.

Sophia's gaze followed Verena's, her brow furrowing slightly. With a gentle sigh, she approached the wardrobe and pushed open its doors, revealing rows of exquisitely tailored dresses in a rainbow of colours. 

"Young Mistress, you needn't have worried about unpacking your things." 

Verena's eyes widened in surprise as she took in the sight of the already prepared dresses. "I... I didn't realize," she stammered, genuinely taken aback by the organized selection.

Sophia smiled kindly. "Two days ago, Young Master Louis ordered to have a wardrobe arranged for you," she revealed, her eyes twinkling with a secret shared. "He thought it would make your transition smoother. He cared about you a lot"

She smiled, only she knew how much he actually cared but was still touched by Louis's considerate gesture to provide additional dresses. 

Was it because she will be soon Mrs. Heisenberg's? Verena wondered. 

"He really thinks of everything, doesn't he?" she mused, a soft chuckle escaping her lips.

"He certainly does," Sophia agreed with a knowing nod. "Now, my dear, I believe it's time to start the day. You should freshen up, and I've arranged for a personal maid who will be by your side throughout. She'll help you with your tasks and guide you in the ways of the house."

Verena nodded, feeling a blend of excitement and nervousness. "And what's next?" she asked, curious about the path that lay ahead.

Sophia's gaze softened. "You will have classes to learn how to attend events, the proper manners, and everything befitting a young mistress of the house. We'll ensure you're well-prepared for every occasion."

As Verena rose from the bed, she couldn't help but that it was unnecessary but she would never voice her thoughts just because she felt it was unnecessary. 

After Sophia walked out, a gentle knock echoed through the room, and Verena turned to see the door slowly opening. 

A young maid entered, bowing respectfully to Verena. Her neat uniform and hazel eyes, warm with curiosity, made a pleasant impression. Chestnut hair framed her face, with a few strands softly touching her forehead.

"Good morning, ma'am. My name is Liliya," she introduced herself with a soft curtsy.

Verena returned the smile, instantly taken by Liliya's pleasant demeanor. "Good morning, Liliya. It's lovely to meet you," she replied, offering a friendly nod.

Liliya stepped closer, studying Verena. She had been eager to meet the young mistress and was pleased to find Verena's chocolate brown eyes captivating. Despite her slender frame, Liliya thought Verena had the potential to surpass all the models and actresses in terms of beauty. 

"Today, I've chosen a frock dress for you, ma'am. I think it will suit you quite well," she said as she picked out a dress from the wardrobe.

Verena watched curiously as Liliya moved with practised ease, her movements graceful and efficient. 

The young maid then headed to a table set with various oils and scents, carefully selecting rose oil and adding it to a bowl of water. As she mixed the ingredients, the room filled with a soothing aroma.

As Liliya worked, Verena's curiosity got the better of her. "Liliya, can I ask you something?" she inquired, her voice gentle.

Liliya looked up with a kind smile. "Of course, ma'am. You can ask me anything."

"Why did you choose to work here?" Verena asked, genuinely curious about the young woman's story.

Liliya's expression softened, and her gaze turned introspective. "I have a younger brother, ma'am. He's very bright and eager to learn, but we couldn't afford his school fees. So, I decided to work here to help him continue his education," she explained, her voice tinged with determination.

. "That's very admirable, Liliya. Your brother is lucky to have you," she remarked sincerely. 

She added, "And, please do not address me as ma'am. You may now call me Verena," Verena gently corrected, her smile warm.

Liliya hesitated for a moment, her brow furrowing slightly. "I... I can't, maam. It's not proper," she replied, her voice respectful but firm.

Verena tilted her head, intrigued by Liliya's response. "Why is that, Liliya?"

Liliya met Verena's gaze, her expression earnest. "It's a matter of respect, maam. You are the young mistress of the house, and I'm a servant. It's important to maintain the proper boundaries," she explained, her eyes carrying a mixture of sincerity and tradition.

"I understand the significance of traditions, Liliya. But I want you to know that while I may hold a certain title, I value you and your role just as much."

Liliya's gaze softened, and a genuine smile touched her lips. "Your kindness means a lot to me. I promise to serve you to the best of my abilities, but I hope you'll understand if I continue to address you with the respect that you deserve."

"Of course, Liliya. Your dedication to your work and your principles is truly admirable."

Liliya dipped her head in gratitude. "Thank you, maam." 

Verena: "...."

Verena sighed and watched the young girl enter the bathroom. As Liliya finished preparing the scented water, she turned to Verena with a small smile. "Now, ma'am, if you're ready, I can assist you with changing and preparing for the day."

Verena's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, you don't have to do that, Liliya. I can manage on my own," she said quickly, her cheeks slightly flushed.

"Please, ma'am, it's part of my duties. I'm here to help you," she insisted.

Verena hesitated for a moment, her mind racing as she grappled with the idea. But then, with a decisive nod, she managed a small smile. "Thank you, Liliya, but I think I'll change and take a bath myself this time."

"If you prefer, ma'am. Just know that I'm here to assist whenever you need."

"I appreciate that, Liliya. Thank you."

As Liliya left the bathroom to give Verena her privacy, Verena took a deep breath, her heart still racing from the unexpected offer. 

She was now given the opportunity to be washed by someone else. What in the world were people doing for themselves then?