Chapter 10: The Night Everything Changed

The turning point came the night the young master went out to a social gathering. Normally, Lillian and I alternated night duty, and this night was mine. The young master came back drunk, and Lillian stepped forward to ask if he wanted soup or oatmeal.

It was nearly midnight when he staggered in, the smell of whiskey trailing behind him. I saw Lillian hover in the doorway, her voice soft as silk as she asked what he wanted. Her dress was a little lower cut, her makeup bolder—a clear signal to anyone paying attention.

Lillian wore lighter clothes than usual, her makeup especially different. I sensed something was off, but when the young master, feeling sick from drinking, asked for chicken noodle soup, I had no choice but to go prepare it.

I hesitated, but the young master groaned and pressed a hand to his stomach. “Chicken noodle, Molly, please.” So I hurried to the kitchen, nerves jangling, leaving Lillian behind in the dim hallway.

After I left, the young master took a bath, and Lillian followed him in. The two of them stayed in the bathroom for two hours without coming out. Mrs. Lewis and Mrs. Carter peeked in, then went to report to Mrs. Whitaker.

The old house was silent except for the distant sound of water running. I paced in the kitchen, glancing at the old grandfather clock every few minutes. Mrs. Carter and Mrs. Lewis whispered in the hallway, their faces grim. Eventually, they hurried upstairs, skirts rustling, to deliver the news to the mistress of the house.

I carried the soup over and snuck a glance. Behind the young master, Lillian’s face was flushed, her hair a mess, her clothes disheveled—the unmistakable signs of having shared his bed.

My hands shook as I set the tray down. I caught a glimpse of Lillian, her cheeks pink, dress slipping off her shoulder. Caleb wouldn’t meet my eyes. I knew then that the game was over—for now.

The day after she spent the night with him, the young master personally gave Lillian a concubine maid’s monthly allowance—two silver dollars. Although he wasn’t married yet and Lillian couldn’t be made official, she already enjoyed the privileges of a concubine maid.

At breakfast, everyone noticed when Lillian’s purse bulged with coins. The staff whispered behind their hands. She was moved into a better room, given new linens, and served first at meals. It was the closest thing to a promotion this world had to offer.

I felt a loss I couldn’t put into words. The young master, having just experienced intimacy, would surely remember her. This might be a lifelong guarantee.

I walked the halls in a daze, barely hearing the orders barked at me. I thought about Lillian, her laughter echoing in the suite, and realized that sometimes, the smallest choice could change your whole future. I tried not to let bitterness settle in my chest, but it was hard not to wonder what might have been.

I had missed my chance, and couldn’t help but mock myself. If I was going to be a concubine anyway, any method that worked would do—why had I clung to dignity?

I stood in the empty kitchen, hands shaking, replaying every moment I hesitated, every chance I let slip, vowing not to let comfort dull me again. I laughed bitterly to myself, scrubbing dishes long after midnight. In this world, the rules were simple and brutal. Clinging to dignity was a luxury for those who could afford it. Maybe next time, I’d be brave—or ruthless—enough to seize my own fate.

Years of having enough to eat and drink had made me forget that this world is even more ruthless than the modern workplace. The chance to change your fate can vanish in an instant.

It’s funny, how quickly comfort makes you forget the edge you started on. In this place, one misstep or hesitation and someone else takes your place. I stared out at the dawn breaking over Silver Hollow and swore—next time, I’d do whatever it took to win.