Cry , Even better if you , beg

The chatty, and loud children who had been laughing until their ears hurt became surprisingly calm at the moment they entered the annex. Their eyes twinkled with delight as they looked around the house but couldn't dare to make jokes and fool around like before.

Leyla had to appease the frightened Monica first, so she was the last to enter the annex, and the servants welcomed the Duke's young guest with the same servility they gave to the VIP guests.

"This way, please."

One of the servants promptly escorted the waiting children from the guest lounge to the living room. Inside, Matthias was sitting there with his back against the window overlooking the river—he had been waiting for them to arrive.

Leyla held her breath as she walked into the place riddled with horrible, embarrassing, and humiliating memories.

"Thank you so much for your kindness in allowing us to visit Arvis, Duke."

Mrs. Grever was effusive in her thanks, and her vivacity put Leyla at ease. She hoped her-teacher-friend would take the role as the Duke's converser, so she could sit quietly like the room's furniture and leave the place when the pleasantries were over.

"Rather, I should be thankful to all of you for accepting my sudden invitation."

Matthias welcomed them as he rose from his seat. The window's backlight cast a shadow over his face, but it amplified the sense of his presence.

"Teacher... it hurts."

Monica's whispers startled Leyla, who was staring blankly at his silhouette.