Earlier in the day, her thoughts had been consumed by obtaining the marriage certificates at the courthouse, and she didnât pay any attention to the villa at all.
Now, as she gazed upon it, its Luxury struck her.
The bodyguard opened the door for her, while Connolly stood by with a kind expression.
âMs.
Burton, Mr.
Shaw informed me that you are his new personal maid.
He expects you to be at his service around the clock, so Iâve already arranged a small bed for you in his bedroom.
Feel free to inspect it whenever you wish.
â
Dulcie was taken aback.
Her expression stiffened as she replied, âPersonal⦠maid?â
âYes.
Is there an issue?â
She lowered her head despondently.
Kyson had mentioned keeping their marriage discreet from the outside world.
She hadnât anticipated him concealing it even from his own family.
âMs.
Burton?â
âs BunnyBookery
Dulcie snapped back to attention and replied, âNo, thank you.
â
âNo problem.
â
Connolly ushered her into the villa, offering a guided tour as they walked.
âBesides Kyson, Ryder, the third child of the family, and Sally, the seventh child, reside here.
Blythe, the fifth child, is already engaged.
Although she hasnât wed yet, she doesnât live here.
The elder couple of the Shaw family used to occupy the top floor, which is filled with their belongings, so itâs best avoided⦠The front yard boasts a rockery and streams, and thereâs an open-air swimming pool, a red rose corridor, and a swing in the backyard-all within Sallyâs domain, off-limits to you.
Below the ground floor, thereâs a basement and game room, while the third floor features a gym and reception roomâ¦â
The entire villa was expansive, resembling more of a grand estate than a mere villa.
Dulcie listened intently, her mind whirring with thoughts.
It seemed she had limited freedom of movement.
She even began to entertain the notion that she was merely a new addition to the household staff.
Observing the loneliness reflected in Dulcieâs expression, Connolly surmised she wasnât accustomed to her new surroundings and sought to reassure her.
âDonât worry.
Ryder and Sally are quite amiable.
They donât make things difficult for the staff or act haughty.
Theyâre laid-back.
Last night, Kyson carried you back in his arms.
You must mean something special to him.
â
Special?
Dulcie couldnât help but smile mockingly to herself.
She was his personal maid, married to him.
Truly, she was exceptionally special.
âOh, are you the personal maid Kyson mentioned?â
A melodious voice drifted from the hallâs entrance.
Strolling along the garden path in the front yard with Connolly, Dulcie spotted a stunning woman eyeing her.
Connolly offered a slight bow to the woman and whispered to Dulcie, âThis is Sally.
â
âNice to meet you,â Dulcie greeted with a small bow.
Sally approached Dulcie, appraising her openly.
âYou have silky hair.
Quite pretty.
I suppose Kyson has some taste after all.
Even his maid needs to be attractive.
Is he planning to keep you in his room for his own pleasure?â
Dulcieâs mood soured further, her gaze fixed on her dress as she fidgeted uncomfortably.
Sallyâs persistent scrutiny unnerved her.
Leaning in close, Sally whispered in a hushed tone, âAre you truly only Kysonâs maid? He hasnât shown interest in any woman since his return.
Why do I sense thereâs more between you two? Share your secret with me.
I wonât tell a word to anyone.
Your secret is safe with me.
â
Dulcie was taken aback.
After a brief pause, she replied, âMr.
Shaw stated that I am his maid.
So, I am his maid.
â
âHow dull.
â Sally pursed her lips, a hint of disappointment flickering across her face.
Fearful that Sally might detect something, Dulcie lowered her head even further.
Sallyâs inquiry had been spontaneous, and soon she diverted her attention to Connolly, who trailed behind them.
âConnolly, if Kyson gets a personal maid, can I have a personal attendant in my room too? Someone to give me massages and play games with me every day.
Sounds rather appealing.
â
Connolly was taken aback by her remark.
âMiss Shaw, please reconsider.
Youâre not even engaged yet.
Hosting a male servant in your room could damage your reputation.
What if wealthy individuals misinterpret the situation?â
Sallyâs tone remained sweet as she retorted, âThatâs not fair.
Kyson isnât engaged either.
Why does he get to have a maid in his room while I canât? Heâs the heir, and he doesnât concern himself with his reputation.
Why should I?â
Connolly found himself at a loss for words.