Chapter 7: Defenders
"No! That would take years to pay back!" I exclaimed, trembling in fear and shock.
Jessie shrugged, smirking at me. "Maybe you should have thought of that before being clumsy."
"Please, Luna. Don’t do this," I cried.
"Enough!" She snapped. "I don’t want to hear another word. It is settled. You’ll work to pay off the cost of the sculpture."
I knew I didn’t dare to argue further. I bowed stiffly. "Yes, Luna," I said. The truth was that a part of me was actually secretly relieved. This new development meant that I didn’t have to decide between leaving or staying immediately.
It felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. But that didn’t stop the feeling of dread as I realized that I was once again bound to this family in debt. I worked so hard to free myself from the clutches of debt yet here I was, back in the same sinkhole.
Just then, the door opened with a bang and the guests for the birthday party began to file in.
"Maid, go and serve the guests immediately," Luna Evelyn ordered.
"Yes, Luna," I muttered under my breath, immediately walking away to attend to the guests as she said. Suddenly, a hand grabbed me. I was forced to stop. I turned around confused, only to see Lucas holding my hand. My eyes widened.
’What are you doing?’ I screamed at him with my eyes. I tried to yank my hand out of his grasp but his grip was too strong.
"Why are you holding her?" Luna Evelyn demanded, frowning. Jessie stared at the two of us, wide-eyed.