I shook my head. "No, thank you. I can take care of it myself."
I had no intention of causing a stir or drawing attention to my fragile position in the house. I was nothing more than a shadow, so I intended to stay that way.
Julius nodded but added cautiously, “You should avoid touching anything that made for Mr. Fuentez from now on. So, I will bring your meals myself to make sure this never happens again. How does that sound?”
His thoughtfulness stung, not because of him, but because of how far I had fallen.
Not long ago, everything in this manor had been mine. But then I was reduced to being grateful for even a meal that would not harm me.
I nodded, though the bitterness in my heart welled up again.
Before Julius turned to leave, I mustered enough strength to say, “Thank you, Julius. I do not say it enough, but I appreciate everything you have done for me.”
He gave me a kind smile. “Anything for you, Madam. Call me if you need help.”
And with that, I was left alone in the guest room, a room that only deepened the feeling of isolation.
The once grand manor I had shared with Sylus for three years felt foreign, as though the life I had lived there had been nothing but a cruel illusion.