The truth was, one look at Ethan and she could barely contain her feelings. She loved him; much more than she even knew was possible, but he had rejected her and just like she had rejected Matthew, she had to bear the punishment for her past actions.

A few maids worked around the kitchen, working to prepare lunch. She said hello to them and turned her attention to the task before her, knowing that lunch would soon be served, and she would have to face Ethan once more and once more, she would have to fight the urge to fall back into his arms.

**

THE CASTLE CAME INTO view and while Ethan was thankful to be back home after such a long day sitting in a business meeting, a large lump began clogging his throat at the sight of the building, seemingly growing in size as they drew near to it.

He thought of Gretchen; she was most likely in there somewhere, dreading his arrival as well. He knew he couldn't blame her for the distance she had put between them —he could only blame himself. The more he thought about it, the more it became clear to him that everything that happened was his fault. The gap between them was all thanks to him and not Gretchen, but it seemed to be too late to do anything about it.

Every day he woke up, he found himself dreading the thought of being told that Gretchen had run off during the night. Or worse; Gretchen walking into his study one afternoon and handing in her resignation. He was afraid of losing her. Even now, as he climbed down the carriage and made his way into the building, he couldn't help but fear the possible announcement that she had disappeared.

Running a weary hand through his curly raven locks, he turned to make his way to his study when his eyes caught a glimpse of a familiar figure; Gretchen. It was a brief glimpse but he found himself desperate for.

Turning toward the hallway she had disappeared through, he followed silently behind. She continued down the hall, her purple, off-the-shoulder, floor length gown doing wonderful things to her figure. Mesmerized, he followed her until she disappeared through a door.

With a frown on his face, he stood still for a minute, unbelieving of his own desperation. With the way he was practically running after her, one would think it was a matter of great importance. But it was, he decided as he continued his walk down the hall —Gretchen was important, exceedingly important.

He pushed the door open and saw her standing there, holding a biscuit to Ellie's mouth. For a brief moment, he tore his gaze off of her, and allowed his eyes travel around the room; he was standing in the kitchen. The maids turned to the door, their eyes coming to rest on him. Realizing had become aware of his presence, he knew Gretchen must be aware as well. His eyes traveled back to Gretchen who was now holding Ellie to her chest, as if to shield herself from him. Gretchen's eyes were fixed on the floor, apparently afraid to look at him.