Victoria was filled with shock the moment she stepped into Bernard's room and found Maria there.
But her surprise quickly faded when she noticed Maria arranging Bernard's scattered clothes on the mattress.
Maria, thinking quickly, ruffled more clothes around and started folding them back into place, trying to look as natural as possible.
"Maria, why are you the one doing this and not one of the maids?" Victoria asked, her eyebrows arching high in suspicion.
"I didn't want any of the maids to do it," Maria replied softly, feigning a pitiful expression. "I just miss Bernard so much. I wanted to feel close to him again… to smell his scent on these clothes."
Surprised and clearly touched, Victoria softened. She approached Maria and gently held both of her hands.
"Don't worry," she said reassuringly. "Bernard is strong. He'll make it through this. But you need to be strong too—for him. Don't let yourself fall apart now."
She gave Maria a brief side hug and patted her on the back.
