Chapter 10: 10. The Game Begins Maria woke up feeling unusually lively on a Saturday morning. Without much thought, she made her way straight to the kitchen, where Bernard’s mother was cooking.
Though there were maids in the house, Bernard’s mother preferred to prepare meals for her family herself.
Hearing footsteps behind her, she instinctively turned to see who it was. To her surprise, it was Maria approaching.
She froze for a moment, watching the young woman with an unreadable expression, her hands pausing mid-task.
Maria walked closer, breaking the silence with an enthusiastic, "Good morning, ma’am!"
Bernard’s mother simply nodded in response, still staring at Maria with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. It was clear she was trying to make sense of the sudden change.
Because Maria had never once set foot in the kitchen since she arrived at the house. Taking a deep breath, Maria spoke again.
"I know I’ve been arrogant and foolish all this while. Maybe it’s because of what happened to my parents... but I want to apologize for my behavior. Please forgive me, ma’am." Her voice carried a convincing tone of sincerity.
Victoria didn’t look convinced yet. Given her nature, she wasn’t the type to fall easily for kind words, so she decided to probe further.
"What suddenly changed your mind? And when did I ever complain about your attitude?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Maria suddenly lowered her gaze slightly, as if humbled.
"I just realized that I haven’t been acting right. If there’s anything I should be doing, it’s showing gratitude. Your family saved me, and now I am part of it. I’m truly sorry, ma’am. Please forgive me."
Bernard’s mother watched Maria closely. Though she wasn’t entirely convinced, something about the girl’s words pleased her. The stern look on her face softened just a little.
"Hmm..." she muttered, folding her arms. "Alright. What exactly do you want now?"
Maria hesitated, as if gathering her emotions, then looked up with pleading eyes.
"I’ve been lonely, ma’am. Ever since my parents passed away, I’ve had no one to talk to. Please... just be the mother I no longer have."
Victoria’s expression faltered for a brief moment. She hesitated before a small, almost reluctant smile formed on her lips.
"Alright," she finally said. "But only if you promise to be a good girl."
"I promise!" Maria exclaimed happily. "Thank you for accepting me!" She stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Bernard’s mother in a warm hug.
But behind that embrace, her mind was racing. ’This is the first step in getting back what’s mine.’ Maria remained in the kitchen, assisting with the morning meal, playing her part flawlessly.
When breakfast was ready, they both carried the dishes to the dining room. The moment Bernard and Beta Gilbert walked in and saw Maria serving alongside Bernard’s mother, their reactions were instant.
Beta Gilbert’s face lit up with approval, clearly pleased to see the two women getting along.
Bernard, on the other hand, looked completely taken aback. His face twisted in a mix of shock and suspicion, his eyes narrowing as he watched Maria closely.
But she ignored him.
Throughout breakfast, Maria engaged in cheerful conversation with Bernard’s parents, smiling and speaking as though she had been part of the family all along.
Bernard, however, barely touched his food. He kept throwing glances at Maria, but she acted as though she didn’t notice.
’He’s definitely going to confront me after this.’ Maria thought.
And she was right.
As soon as breakfast ended and she made her way toward her room, Bernard called after her.
"Maria. A word. In the garden."
Maria smirked internally but kept her expression neutral. Without a word, she followed him outside.
The moment they were out of sight, Bernard grabbed her wrist, his grip firm. His eyes burned with frustration.
"What exactly are you trying to do?" he demanded.
"What are you talking about?" Maria blinked, feigning innocence. "And let go of my hand, you’re hurting me!" She yanked her arm free from his grasp.
Bernard stepped closer, his jaw clenched.
"You think you’re smart, don’t you? I’m warning you... stop this little ’good girl’ act with my parents and stay in your lane!"
Maria let out a low chuckle, shaking her head.