CH5: The Secret Begins

From that night on, everything changed between them, even though they decided to keep their relationship a secret for the meantime. They knew that if the people in the mansion found out right away, rumors would spread fast, and it might cause problems even before they could properly establish what they had.

Simon continued to act as the strict and serious boss in front of everyone, but whenever they were alone or in places where no one could see them, he became the most gentle and caring man. He would find small ways to show his love—leaving her favorite snacks in her room, making sure her work was not too heavy, and giving her small gifts that she could use without drawing attention.

Siren, on the other hand, started to feel more comfortable around him. She still got shy easily, and she still tried to keep her head down when they were in public, but her eyes now held warmth and affection whenever she looked at him. She started speaking to him more openly, sharing her thoughts, her worries, and even her small joys.

One afternoon, while they were sitting in the quiet garden after everyone else had gone to sleep, Siren asked him something that had been on her mind for a while.

“Simon… when did you start feeling this way? When did you start seeing me differently? Because for four years, I was just another maid working here. I never did anything special to catch your attention.”

Simon looked at her with a soft smile, remembering that specific day as if it had just happened yesterday.

“Do you remember the day when we moved the maids’ quarters to the new wing?” he asked.

Siren nodded. “Yes, I remember. It was the day I got my own room. I was so happy because for the first time, I had a space that was only mine.”

“That was the day,” Simon said. “I was in my office, working as usual. I looked down from my window and I saw you walking into your new room. You looked so happy and excited. Then I saw you walk toward the window and slowly open the curtains. When the light hit your face… it was like the whole world stopped moving. In that moment, I didn’t see a maid anymore. I saw you. I saw your beauty, your innocence, and the light that you carry inside you. And from that moment on, I couldn’t stop looking at you. Every single day, I found myself waiting for a chance to see you, to hear your voice, and to know more about you. That was the moment everything changed for me.”

Siren listened to his story, her eyes wide in surprise. She never knew that such a simple moment had been the start of everything. She had thought he started noticing her after the incident in the library, but it turned out he had been watching her long before that.

“I had no idea…” Siren whispered. “I was just doing my usual routine. I didn’t even know you were there watching me. I thought you never even noticed my existence.”

“I noticed everything, Siren,” Simon said sincerely. “I noticed how you work hard without complaining. I noticed how you help others even when you are tired. I noticed how you treat everyone with respect, no matter who they are or what their status is. I noticed that even though you have suffered so much, you still have a kind heart. All those things made me fall deeper in love with you every single day.”

Siren felt tears of happiness forming in her eyes. It was such a beautiful feeling—to know that someone had been paying attention to her, appreciating her, and loving her even when she thought she was invisible.

“But why did you wait so long to tell me?” Siren asked. “You could have said something earlier.”

Simon sighed softly. “Because I was scared too, my love. I was scared that you would reject me. I was scared that you would think I was just playing with your feelings or taking advantage of my position. I wanted to make sure that what I felt was real, and I wanted to find the right time to tell you everything. I also knew that we had a lot of things to face, and I wanted to be fully prepared before I opened up to you.”

He held her hand and kissed her knuckles gently. “But when you almost fell in the library… I realized that life is too short to keep waiting. I realized that I couldn’t keep hiding my feelings anymore. I had to tell you, even if I didn’t know what your answer would be. I had to let you know that you are loved and valued.”

Siren leaned her head on his shoulder, feeling completely safe and happy. “I am glad you did. Even though I was scared at first, I am so happy now. Thank you for waiting for me, and thank you for loving me even when I didn’t know you were watching.”

“Always,” Simon whispered. “I will always watch over you, protect you, and love you. No matter what happens.”

to be continue...

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