Chapter 3 Awkward Position
Celeste's sudden cry startled everyone.
"Good heavens, it hurts! Let go of my finger right now!" she demanded, her voice strained with pain.
The Chihuahua had its teeth firmly clamped on Celeste's finger, refusing to release its grip. Celeste repeatedly smacked the dog's head, but her actions only made things worse—the more she hit it, the tighter it bit down.
"Please don't do that; it could ruin your finger," Olivia rushed forward, covering the Chihuahua's eyes with one hand while pinching its nose with the other.
Within seconds, the dog released its grip. Celeste finally pulled her hand free, tears welling in her eyes as she stared at the bloody tooth marks on her finger.
"Mr. Cooper, please bring the first aid kit quickly," Olivia said, turning to the butler.
Damon hurried away, returning moments later with the medical supplies.
"Madam, should we take you to the hospital for a rabies shot?" he asked, his concern evident.
"If this Chihuahua has been properly cared for since birth, the probability of rabies infection is very low, so there's no need for a shot," Olivia explained while gently stroking the dog's head.
As a maid tended to her injured finger, Celeste frowned at the sight of Olivia holding her Chihuahua.
"What's wrong with it? Why would it bite me but not you?"
"It might have a skin condition," Olivia pointed to a light red mark on the dog's leg. "This looks recent. Probably heat-related. Less sun exposure and some ointment should clear it up."
Celeste's frown deepened as she watched Olivia continuously pet the Chihuahua. She glanced at another maid standing behind her, who nodded and approached Olivia, taking the dog from her arms.
Only when the Chihuahua was separated from Olivia did Celeste's expression soften.
"Are you a veterinarian?" Celeste asked, chin slightly raised as she scrutinized Olivia.
Olivia nodded. "Yes. My mother loved animals, and so do I. That's why I became a vet. I haven't graduated yet, but I've started my internship..."
"I have no interest in your career," Celeste interrupted. "If people learned that my son's wife is a veterinarian, it would bring shame to our family."
'A veterinarian? What's wrong with that? I earn my living through hard work. What right does she have to look down on me?' Olivia was seething with anger but maintained a composed expression.
"Damon, find a real veterinarian to examine my Sweetie," Celeste commanded.
The butler nodded and left.
'Damn this woman for not trusting me. Arrogant woman—you deserved that bite.' Olivia silently fumed while worrying about her future married life. She wondered if Matthew would be just as unpleasant as his mother.
"Madam, I've brought the clothes," Mira approached with a set of garments.
Celeste turned to Olivia. "Change into these. Afterward, Mira will show you to your room and teach you the rules of this manor."
"Alright, I'll do that right away," Olivia replied with a polite smile before taking the clothes and returning to the car to change.
When Olivia emerged from the car in her new outfit, Celeste and the other maids had disappeared, presumably retreating to the mansion to escape the sweltering heat. Fortunately, Mira still waited at the entrance.
"Mrs. Olivia Howard, please follow me. Someone will dispose of your wedding dress. I'll show you to your room now," Mira said with an expressionless face and flat tone before turning toward the mansion.
Olivia followed Mira, observing her surroundings. The interior was extraordinarily luxurious, exuding an air of nobility with rich purple curtains. It felt like stepping into a royal residence.
The maids here were all dressed in black and white uniforms, their heads bowed as they worked diligently. They didn't say a word, silent like puppets.
"This is your room," Mira announced when they reached the third floor. Her brow suddenly furrowed as she opened the door, revealing two maids who hurried out in apparent panic.
"Ms. Parker, we were just cleaning Mrs. Olivia Howard's room." they explained, heads bowed in obvious fear.
"Fine. You may go," Mira dismissed them flatly.
Olivia paid little attention to the two maids and was about to enter when she overheard their whispered conversation.
"So that's Mrs. Olivia Howard? Pretty enough, but seems unlucky."
"Yeah, she already brought bad luck to Alice. Wonder what punishment she'll face."
Olivia frowned and turned to Mira. "Who's Alice?"
"She's the maid responsible for Madam's dog."
Finally unable to contain her frustration, Olivia asked angrily, "What did those maids mean? Are they saying I brought bad luck? Alice clearly didn't take proper care of the dog. How is that my fault?"
"Please refer to Madam's pet as 'Sweetie' in the future. Madam dislikes when people simply call it 'the dog,'" Mira stated calmly, observing Olivia.
Olivia clenched her fists. "Those maids were gossiping about me behind my back. Doesn't anyone address that?"
"I didn't hear anything. Also, please refrain from raising your voice in this Manor. Madam dislikes it," Mira replied, her calm eyes hiding the same contempt Olivia had seen in Celeste's.
"I understand. I'll be mindful of that," Olivia lowered her voice and forced a smile as she entered the room.
The bedroom was luxuriously appointed in an opulent style, but Olivia's mood was too sour to appreciate it.
"It's almost time for Madam's afternoon tea. I must prepare her refreshments. I'll return afterward to explain the house rules," Mira announced before leaving without closing the door.
Olivia wanted to slam it shut but remembered the strict rules and her brother in the hospital. She restrained herself and closed it gently.
The vanity table was covered with high-end cosmetics—tempting for any woman. Olivia's mood brightened slightly until she noticed that all the products had been opened and used. Recalling the two flustered maids, she realized they must have been the ones using her makeup.
"In this house, I rank below even the dog," Olivia laughed bitterly at her situation, not bothering to report the incident since she knew nobody would care.
Suddenly, her phone chimed with a message from her friend Esme Green, inviting her to a party that evening—one that Lucas Williams would also attend.
At the mention of Lucas's name, Olivia's expression shifted subtly.