LOVE BEYOND REASON

chapter eight

Nyri woke up to the sound of a moving car, sluggishly pulling herself from the bed she peeked out the window, Richard and Vanessa were truly leaving. The realization that she was now alone with Roy settled in. As the couple had orchestrated their departure, Nyri understood their motives. She was determined that only necessary interactions would occur, avoiding any unnecessary entanglements. The thought of having breakfast with Roy, risking awkward conversations or moments, heightened her anxiety. "That is if he actually speaks to me" she muttered to herself. Lying on her bed, she contemplated her strategy and questioned her actions. "Why am I acting like a child? I should be able to face him. It's only breakfast." Yet, she couldn't deny that her guard was down, allowing her instincts make her feel vulnerable. Despite the presence of the maids, particularly the amiable Betsy, Nyri planned to spend most of her time in her room, working on finishing her newest book.

A loud knock interrupted her thoughts. "Why does he have to be so loud? I'll choose to join him if I desire," she said, walking over to the door, ready to dismiss him. To her surprise, it was Betsy, tasked by Roy to bring her breakfast.

"Master asked me to bring your breakfast to you" the maid walked past her and dropped tray on her table. " It's Betsy right?"

"Yes it is"

"I'd prefer if you don't knock so loudly"

"I'm sorry, Miss" Nyri nodded her head in acceptance

"I'll be needing your assistance. I would like to take a tour round the house later in the day, most importantly the library."

"I'd be ready when you need me"

"OK you may leave"

Feeling vexed with herself for avoiding a simple breakfast, Nyri berated her own behavior. She recognized that she needed to face Roy sooner or later.

Later, after hours of writing, Nyri's eyes grew weary of the screen, and she decided to search for Betsy. Heading downstairs, she spotted maids, including Betsy, peeking from the kitchen. She smiled and responded to their greetings, she informed Betsy that she was ready for the tour.

Betsy guided her to an amiable view at the lake, and Nyri was captivated by the beauty of its nature. The fresh breeze and colorful flowers provided a brief escape from the complexities within the mansion. As they explored, Nyri couldn't help but appreciate the environment and secretly planned to return alone.

Venturing back inside, Betsy shared insights into the preferences of Richard and Vanessa in different sections of the mansion. However, Nyri's eagerness to see the library took center stage. "I want to see the library. Please lead the way." When they reached the left wing, Nyri felt a slight shiver. The library loomed ahead, and as Betsy led the way, Nyri's eyes scanned the shelves filled with countless books.

Feeling a bit uneasy when she saw an unexpected note in the library, Nyri decided to explore the shelves to distract herself. She walked around each column, running her fingers over the spines of various books, appreciating the vast collection surrounding her. The aroma of aged paper and ink filled the air, creating a unique atmosphere that resonated with her writer's soul.

curiously approaching a flat table at the center of the library, the open paper with a bold message: "I knew you would come here; the books are yours if you want them." The words echoed in her mind, creating a sense of discomfort. The directness of the message and the implication that someone was anticipating her visit heightened her awareness. Unsure of how to react, Nyri decided to set aside the peculiar note and continued exploring the library. However, the encounter left her feeling a bit exposed, as if someone was closely observing her movements. The library, once a sanctuary of solace, now carried a subtle layer of complexity.

As she exited the library, Nyri encountered Roy standing by his room door. Betsy greeted him with a customary "Master, welcome back." Roy acknowledged their presence, and Nyri, still feeling a bit rattled from the note, awkwardly apologized for missing breakfast.

"take your time, I'll adapt to your pace, but remember, your time is mine too" although his response, unexpected and somewhat cryptic, implied that she would soon be his. The statement lingered in the air, leaving Nyri taken aback. His words suggested a transfer of ownership, an unsettling notion that contradicted her initial understanding of the situation. Quickly excusing herself, Nyri retreated to her room.

In her room, she couldn't shake off the mixed feelings stirred by the library note and Roy's enigmatic words. The anticipation surrounding her stay in the Kohath mansion seemed to be growing, and Nyri found herself caught in a web of intrigue, unsure of the intentions behind these subtle gestures. The complex dynamics of the Kohath family and the mysterious elements within the mansion continued to unfold, leaving Nyri both curious and apprehensive about what lay ahead reflecting in front of the mirror, Nyri felt a wave of disappointment. She had avoided Roy all day, only to realize that he had left the house. Disappointed with herself, she decided to rest, using a headache as an excuse. Betsy, concerned, left her to rest, unwittingly becoming the subject of discussion among the maids. The new almost-to-be maiden.

She picked her phone and noticed a handful of notifications. Debby and Kate, remained a steadfast support system from afar. Concerned about Nyri's well-being and the sudden changes in her life, they continued their attempts to reach out and provide comfort. Debby decided to call Nyri after several unsuccessful attempts at texting. "Nyri, it's Debby. I've been trying to reach you. How are you holding up?" she inquired, her voice filled with genuine concern. Nyri, appreciative of the outreach, responded, "Debby, it's been quite overwhelming, to be honest. The mansion, the family dynamics, it's all a lot to take in." Debby, not one to beat around the bush, asked, "Have they explained everything to you? Your dad's decision, the deal with the Kohaths?" Taking a deep breath, Nyri explained that there was nothing else that could be done. Debby listened attentively, "Well, you know we've got your back no matter what. If you ever need an escape plan or just someone to vent to, we're here."

Meanwhile, Kate had sent a lengthy email expressing her feelings. "Nyri, I can't imagine what you're going through, but I want you to know that I'm thinking of you. If you need to talk or if there's anything I can do, just let me know. Your happiness matters, and I hope this decision brings you some kind of joy." Nyri, touched by Kate's heartfelt words, replied, "Thank you, Kate. It means a lot to have friends like you. I'm still figuring things out, but knowing I have your support makes it a bit easier."

In the following weeks, Debby and Kate continued their virtual presence in Nyri's life. They shared silly memes to lighten the mood, sent care packages with Nyri's favorite snacks, and even scheduled video calls to recreate their usual hangouts. Despite the physical distance, the bond between the three friends remained unbroken.