The Wicked Wife's Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 28
The perception of the Duchess of Bayern among the staff is abysmal. There are few who don’t openly mock or insult her.
However, Melanie is one of the few who never vocalized such disdain. No matter how displeasing the madam was, it’s a servant’s duty to remain respectful outwardly.
Especially for high-ranking, long-serving staff, maintaining silence is a part of their decorum. Unlike transient workers, those who have served the family for generations keep their thoughts to themselves.
And another virtue of such dedicated servants is…
“…She calls in the tailor a day after saying she’ll manage the household again. Typical.”
“Just when I thought she had finally calmed down. I hoped she had changed, but people don’t change, do they?”
“Did you really think differently after dealing with her for two years?”
“I thought maybe hitting her head changed her personality. She did order us to hire more staff…”
Passing through the corridor, Melanie halted at the sound of giggling.
“Hey, you.”
The maids who had been whispering and laughing by the window frame jumped in fright.
“H-Head Maid!”
Melanie’s voice was cold.
“I’ve told you repeatedly to mind your tongues. Didn’t the recent dismissal of two maids teach you anything?”
“We’re s-sorry.”
Though the conversation was on the edge, it wasn’t enough to warrant dismissal. But disciplinary action was needed.
“Have the two of them clean the corridor banisters during dinner tonight.”
In other words, they would go hungry while the other maids ate.
Melanie passed the distressed maids and headed to the Madam’s bedroom.
“Is this family so incompetent that it would fall apart without your sacrifices?”
Was the Madam’s behavior just a ploy, as the Master had suggested?
Disappointment grew at the news that she had called for people from the tailor’s shop.
‘I need to verify the Madam’s plans.’
If her extravagance was starting again, the remaining budget could be squandered on unnecessary things.
“Head Maid!”
Marsha appeared, looking flushed, as Melanie was ascending the central staircase with a grave expression.
“Marsha, you should remain composed within the household.”
Marsha gave an embarrassed laugh at Melanie’s rebuke.
“Sorry. I was just looking for you. The Madam has summoned you.”
“The Madam did?”
“Yes, please follow me.”
Melanie followed Marsha, who was humming despite the recent reprimand, feeling somewhat displeased.
“Madam, you called for me.”
The Duchess’s private sitting room.
There was a neatly wrapped box on the table, suggesting that someone had indeed come from the tailor’s shop that morning.
But it wasn’t the Madam’s belongings?
“Take it.”
Melanie cautiously asked, still holding onto a slight hope.
“May I ask what this is?”
The Madam had previously tried to win her over with gifts early in the marriage.
“It’s an additional uniform for you. I bought it with my own money, so don’t worry about the budget.”
“Why would you…?”
Nina’s aqua eyes grew distant, as if recalling a distant past, and a faint smile appeared on her lips.
“…You were wearing this when I first saw you.”
Her aqua eyes fell upon Melanie’s sleeve collar.
A navy collar.
It was so dark it almost looked black, but up close, the wear and tear of time was evident.
Moreover, the cuff buttons, worn down over the years, proved how strict Melanie was even with herself.
“I respect your habit, your character, your heart that treasures even old things. But this uniform also holds memories of my own shortcomings.”
Melanie looked at Nina, who had taken a step back, as if not willing to accept any refusal.
The Madam, now shedding all malice and bitterness like an old skin, wore a bittersweet smile.
“I don’t know how long I’ll stay here, but I want to be remembered as not having ended my term as Duchess badly. Even if it’s selfish.”
Had she not just spent her time regretting and reflecting?
Realizing that Nina was truly, seriously considering divorce, Melanie felt a complex mix of emotions as she pressed her lips together.
