Chapter 47 - A Thief

Anya wasn't running because she was scared. She was trying to lure whoever was following her, so that could take the dominance instead of getting hurt by any weapon if the person was wielding it.

The mansion was designed so flawlessly that it was hard to lure them to the corner. She thought to hide in her room and attacking when they will enter inside. She entered inside and left the door ajar. She hid aside. Her legs were one behind the other and hands in position to attack and defend immediately without delay.

However, the footsteps suddenly seized and heard the steps stumbling and noises as if being choked. She slowly peaked out and saw a tall man choking a lady clutching her throat against the wall.

She identified it was Alvin under the dim lights, she ran over to him and held his arm, "Alvin, leave her… Alvin, please… She will die… Alvin…" She screamed at the end to bring Alvin to his senses.

Alvin mercilessly threw the maid to the floor and Anya immediately pulled him away. The maid coughed her lungs out lying on the floor. Afraid he might again do something to the maid, Anya didn't let go of his hand. She anxiously checked the corridor for the switch to turn on the bright lights.

Alvin glared at the maid controlling his anger. When he heard the footsteps twice, he was awake without understanding who could be walking in the corridor without turning on the lights. When he heard the quick footsteps he couldn't help but to check. Anya passed by when he was opening the door and the next moment he instinctively held the person who followed her.

Feeling a firm grip on his arm, he misunderstood as Anya was frightened. He reached out and hugged her when she wasn't looking at him.

Anya: "..." 

She left his hand and tried to break free from his strong cage-like arms. He was holding her in a firm hold, the more she struggled to move. She tried to speak, "Alvin, I am alright."

Nevertheless, he used his free hand and buried her in his arms. His hand gently caressed her head without his knowledge. He glared at the maid who was struggling to breathe. 

Anya felt powerless in his arms. It was too uncomfortable for her to be embraced like that. It was her first time too. The hugs of parents, friends, and son weren't so overbearing and… securely warm. She didn't like how her body was slowly melting for his tender action to calm her down. 

That's more of a reason for her to get away from this man. She knew he had no idea how his simple actions, probably out of pity, could stir a turmoil in her. In the past, she was a fool to have silent, innocent feelings for him. She didn't want to make the same mistake again, she couldn't afford such mistakes.

She again tried to press her hand on his chest to get away, and her hand froze on his chest, his heart beating was louder than hers. She gently shifted her head and pressed her ear on his right chest. She could still hear his rapid beats. 'What is he afraid of?" She thought he was calming himself more than her.

'It must be because he is angry.' She found a reason of her own. She gently pushed him and lifted her head, "Alvin, I can't breathe." He was holding her rather tight.

Alvin let go of her immediately and his eyes looked at her body trying to check if she was hurt, the brightness of the light wasn't enough, he reached out the lights and turned them on without leaving her hand.

Anya looked at the maid. The maid had caught breath and trembled like a fluttering autumn leaf in the wind. She was so scared that she was afraid to cry or make any sound.

Anya identified that the maid wasn't the maid who gave her mobile. 'Why was she following me? Did she think I am a thief?' Her thoughts always start simple without doubting others so easily.

Alvin cupped her face causing her to face him, "Are you hurt? Why are you awake at this time? Are you uncomfortable in that room?" He sounded worried.

"Alvin, relax." She didn't think too much as he was awake from sleep and witnessed somebody chasing after her.

Then Alvin realized he wasn't actually calm but her. He let go of her and breathed. He also blamed the grogginess for his odd behavior, yet again.

Anya turned to the maid again, intending to ask her why she was following. Anyway, Alvin held her hand and took her to her room saying, "I will take care of the mess here." His voice was back to the freezing cold and intimidating.

He sent her inside and about to leave his hand but she held him back, "I am not sleepy, I will come with you." Actually, she was afraid he would do something very harsh to the maid.

As if he could read her mind, he slid her grip from his wrist smoothly and said, "I won't kill her," He wasn't a murderer... Probably he would become for her.

'Thud'

Anya's shoulders jerked when he pulled the door to close.

She heard his voice, even terrifying when he ordered the maid to follow him. Though she knew it was his mansion matters, it also involved her, so she was itching to go out.

She started fighting her thoughts. If she goes out, he will get angry at her, if not the maid might face severe punishment. "Argh… Why did I even get out of the room?" She blamed herself for the situation.

----

In the living hall, Alvin sat with his legs crossed on an armchair. His expression was dark and hostile. His presence made the maids tremble, with no sleepiness in their eyes. Oliver and Sophie sighed deeply looking at the maid crying on the floor.

Sophie went to the maid and shook her arm demanding her to speak, "Speak, what were you doing upstairs? Why did you leave the quarters without being summoned?" Sophie had no idea what happened.

The maid was aware that if she doesn't speak Alvin will punish her severely. So she stuttered, "M-Madam Matthews…"

Just by those two words, three's expressions changed instantly. Sophie didn't dare to look at Alvin, Oliver rubbed his palms anxiously. They always find one of the maids working for Mrs. Matthews and report to her about the whereabouts of Alvin. 

The maid continued with her eyes fixed on Alvin's feet afraid when he might get up and do something to her, "... told me the lady could be a thief. I should keep an eye on her and show her true colors to Mr. Matthews (Alvin)... I didn't mean to harm her…. I saw she was going around in circles, opening many room doors… I thought she was stealing… So- so I followed her. I swear I wouldn't have hurt her… I swear…" She burst into tears.

Oliver felt Anya's behavior was odd too. So he wasn't angry at the maid for keeping an eye on Anya. He was displeased to know she was working for Madam Matthews.

The housekeeper furrowed her brows after hearing 'the guest' checking all the rooms. What is her motive? What was she searching at this time? Sophie still didn't have a good impression of Anya. She wanted Alvin to question her before punishing the maid.

Alvin didn't doubt Anya even a bit. If she really had plans to steal something or do something, she could do it without falling into anyone's sight. The way she tried to escape from the estate was a perfect example.

Alvin gritted his teeth, focusing on the person who the maid was working for. He passed his decree, "Throw her out of the estate. Let her work for that woman.1"