Chapter 37. Rejected

“Sir, your grandmother insists that you come downstairs for breakfast.”

Melvin tossed in his bed, turning away from the maid. She looked 17. Maybe 18. He didn’t know. These days, women made a lot of effort to look younger than they were. All he knew was that her dark hair reminded her of Gwen’s hair but hers was darker. Less elaborate. Less sleek. Not as curly.

He curled his fist and coughed into his hands. “Can’t you see that I’m sick?”

“Your grandmother insists.”

He sat up, tossing the blanket off his chest. “Just get out.”

The girl fled from his room. He eyed the door in anger. She’d forgotten to close it. What was one supposed to do with inefficient help?

He grumbled as he got to his feet and marched to the door. He shut it with a resounding slam – a sound for them to know that he didn’t want to be disturbed.

He returned to the bed and buried himself under his blanket. He stared at his smartwatch for notifications. Anything at all that w