The Beginning Of All Sins

Even Alisa noticed that Olivia didn't seem herself. Concerned, she approached her in the morning, asking, "What's wrong, Ma'am? Did you have a nightmare?" Olivia, panic-stricken, sat motionless in bed. Her head was drenched in sweat, her face ashen.

"Ma'am?" Alisa pressed gently.

Olivia gazed at her in silence for a moment before pulling her knees close, appearing utterly helpless.

Alisa sensed her distress, sat beside her, and grasped her shoulders. "What's the matter? Did something happen?"

"I'm scared," Olivia whispered, her voice barely audible.

"What is it?"

Olivia remained silent, her body trembling.

Alisa, alarmed, exclaimed, "Did something frighten you?"

Olivia stayed silent, burying her face between her knees.

frantic, Alisa hurried

couch, engaged in conversation with the maids

friends or visiting the beauty salon, but she often stayed home

enter, Maisy asked, "What

Maisy, Ms.

up, clutching a pillow. "Why is she

fever the day before she returned from Vahari. She's been feeling dispirited

what happened to her," Maisy

immediately went to hold

*

Maisy arrived,

same position.

nove

ne

wrong, my darling? Why do look

meekly, Olivia

et

sat by the bed and held Olivia's hands "What's wrong? What happened? Why do you