TWENTY THREE

Joy set the table for breakfast. She was busy with the cutleries and really wished her young master enjoyed his meal this time around.

"Ever since Merl disappeared, he's been acting weird," She grumbled to herself.

She diverted her attention from the dishes as she heard sounds of footsteps descending the stairs.

How come he's going to work early today? Since 3 days ago he's been acting sluggish and weak and all of a sudden... work? Did something bad happen?

Her eyes saw James clinging onto a slender figure, his hands wrapped around her waist.

She blinked her eyes to be sure she wasn't dreaming. Merl?

He whispered something into her ears and Merlin giggled trying not to blush.

"You should cook me a meal, I'm exhausted due to the stuff you did to me last night," She replied, covering her mouth and trying not to laugh.

James winked at her, "what stuff?" He asked in a sexy tune, pressing her body on his.

Merlin looked away playfully as the heat between them intensified.

Joy spoiled the fun as soon as she greeted.

"Good morning young master," she bowed with smiles.

James waved at her while Merl hissed. She walked towards the dinning.

"I didn't know you were back ma'am," Joy smiled, trying to open a conversation.

Merlin gave her a scornful stare, "do I need to brief you about my whereabouts? Really?"

"That's not what I meant-"

"Just shut up!" She snapped, angrily taking a seat.

Joy fidgeted and held onto a linen in shock, she looked at James who was just busy admiring the dishes.

She sighed and started serving the food.

"Why are you here?" Merlin questioned as joy took a seat too.

She looked at her with a shrug, "I don't understand-"

Merlin chuckled nastily, "how dare a servant dine with her boss. Don't you have fear?" She scornfully stared at her. Her fingers pointing towards the exit.

Joy frowned. Really? I've served James for a long time and he never called me servant!

"I would leave if the young master wants me too," she glared standing to her right.

This Merl is just intolerable.

Merl gave her a thunderous slap and James gulped in disbelief.

"What insolence!" She yelled.

Joy stood her ground, waiting for James to interfere.

He waved his hands - a sign she should leave.

Joy melted in disappointment. Really?

She turned to go, who am I to him anyway...

"Hey leave, get out of my house!" Merlin continued.

Joy looked at her confused. She turned to James expecting him to say something.

"You are fired, dummy," Merl screamed, slamming her hands on the desk. Her bracelets jingled.

"Hon….calm down. Let her not stress you.." James spoke softly, caressing her hand.

Finally he found his voice but really? Was that it? Who is being stressed here?

Merlin sighed. "Her work is done here. I don't need her,"

Tears flower from her eyes as she watched Master and wife decide her fate.

"I have nowhere else to go... please forgive me."

Merlin raised an eyebrow. "You should have thought of that before stealing my bracelet," she eyed.

Joy's eyes bulged out. Steal?

James looked at joy wondering what was going on.

"When did this issue migrate to theft?" He asked, looking at Merl this time around.

She touched his shoulder, caressing his chest. James felt strange and seemed to be lost too. He held her hands tightly as he drowned in her charms.

"She stole my bracelets," Merl announced, raising her empty hands for James to see.

Joy awed in shock rubbing her eyes furiously to be sure.

Her bracelets were gone. I mean wasn't she wearing them just now? Where did they go?

James too was surprised. " Where are your bracelets?" He asked, pointing at her wrist.

"She took them," Merl replied pointing at joy, "thief!"

"I've never stolen before...I don't have your bracelets." she defended trying to stop more tears from clouding up.

Merlin smirked. "So I'm a liar? Goodness! How dare you?" She gave her another slap which sent joy to the floor.

James stood up. "It's okay Hon...I don't think joy would have taken it. Maybe you misplaced it somewhere..."

"Oh please!" Merl shoved him away. "I'm not careless. This thing over there stole it!" She fumed.

She rushed over to joy and vehemently brought out the bracelet from inside her clothes -Between her breast.

"See?" Merlin waved the dangling bracelets before their eyes.

Unbelievable!!

Joy stood up, looking at the bracelets in complete shock. "How's.. th-at -pos-sib-le..?" She stammered.

"Only a thief would know that. Now get out!" Merlin screamed, shoving her out.

James did nothing. He just watched and sighed. He felt disappointed. "I never knew she was a thief..."
He murmured, staring at Joy who cried her eyes out.
_________

That's all for today. It's quite short, I'm sorry 🥺

Do you think joy really stole? Let me hear your thoughts in the comments section. Don't forget to vote too.

Love you ❤️