Memory of the Heart

Chapter 22: Accused

Although Dalena's recovery period was mostly peaceful, it was soon broken when the estate's guards barged into her bedroom one morning.

"We're sorry, Miss. But due to a critical matter that we are investigating, we need to have you immediately for questioning."

Still a bit groggy from her sleep, Dalena could not fully comprehend what the guard has said but nodded anyway. She was only given a few minutes to prepare herself as the guards waited outside.

Afterwards, she only realised the severity of the matter when the guards swarmed around all over her, as if she has done something wrong and they are not letting her go away.

Finally, in the meeting room, there was all the other staff there and also several guards. Dalena couldn't help but widen her mouth a little when she saw that even Hamish was there.

Just what is the matter?

"Miss Angeles, please watch this." Hamish said in a firm voice.

Without really having any choice, Dalena was commanded to sit on one of the chairs and watch the video on the screen.

In the video, there was a figure with long black hair who wore a nanny's uniform similar to hers. That figure walked inside a room and when it came out, it was holding a huge box and running off.

Although only the back could be seen, it looked very similar to Dalena's back.

"That's not me." Dalena hastily said.

However, upon saying that, she only earned mocking looks and snorts from the maids. Even the guards raised their eyebrows at her, as if she was saying something that was ridiculous.

"But Miss Angeles... are you certain we have watched the same video? Based on the CCTV, the woman there had a nanny uniform and long black hair. You're the only one who wears a nanny uniform and have long black hair, Miss."

Dalena didn't know why, but upon the accusation, her heart suddenly hurt. She frowned her brows and upon looking at Hamish's stern face, she felt hurt even more.

"What time did that happen? As far as I know, I was in my room all day, recovering. The only time I went outside was when the Young Master and I walked in the gardens. In actuality, I spent majority of my time with the Young Master... I don't even know that part of the estate shown in the video..." Dalena said in a soft, mellow voice.

Upon hearing Dalena's answer, Hamish couldn't help but sigh.

"Miss Angeles, I'd also like to believe you but the evidence we have so far is irrefutable. What you stole was a precious heritage of the ducal house, an antique that has been protected for generations. Even if the masters are fond of you, I honestly do not know how far will that fondness go. Please just say the truth."

"But I am saying the truth!" Dalena replied in a louder voice, with little tears already coming into her eyes.

Realising that the discussion was going nowhere, Hamish slightly frowned at Dalena's appearance.

"Fine. Please take your time and reflect, Miss. We will be waiting for you."

As soon as Hamish said that, he walked away quickly with the guards. Then, the maids also followed and did not feel any sense of shame as they gossiped openly about Dalena.

"How shameless is she? Even dare to steal that heritage?"

"Maybe she figured out that she couldn't hold into the Duke's thigh so she'll just steal from the estate and sell them afterwards!"

"It's my first time meeting such a vulgar person..."

Their voices were loud and every word was emphasised, as if it was done purposely as they wanted Dalena to hear.

Although their words were already hurtful, what hurt Dalena more was Andrea.

She thought of her as somewhat a friend she had in the estate but there she was now, gossiping about her along with the other maids. How can her attitude change so fast?

Dalena was even trying to look at her earlier, finding support but Andrea would look away and pretend Dalena wasn't looking at her. Back then, Dalena only thought that Andrea didn't want to be in trouble but now, it seems like she never really cared about her and they never had the friendship she thought they had.

Isn't the situation just horrible, being blamed and accused for something you did not do? It's the worst feeling in the world.

Dalena drooped her head down and for the first time in a while, silent tears came out of her eyes.

She was always like this. When something was sad, she wouldn't usually cry. She would only cry when she's frustrated and unable to explain herself properly.

Even as an adult, she doesn't know why she's like that. Maybe because now, the whole situation is just absurd and too sudden.