I've Been There Before

“Come with me, Mr. Venus.” As Sam was about to close the gate of the mansion, a voice rumbled behind him and his hand which was holding the doorframe gave an indiscernible tremble. The black shadow behind him passed by him and strode to the outside before he could turn. Sam immediately followed the shadow quietly with his head slightly lowered while keeping a distance of less than one meter from the slender figure before him.

Both the master and the butler strolled around the mansion and headed to the mansion’s backyard.

Their path grew darker when they went deeper into the forest, and the towering trees at both sides of the path made the night seemed creepier. Not to mention it was already winter. A profound silence prevailed over the dried woods and the sound of bird flapping its wings and occasionally jumping between the twigs of the withered trees was heard, followed by the snapping sound of twigs.

Anxiety clasped Sam and sweat was flowing down his calm wrinkled face at a winter night like this. He could no longer maintain his composure and asked, “Mister, where are we going? We’re going to reach the brook if we go deeper inside.” There was a moderate-sized brook situated behind the garden of the Shaw Manor and the brook was viridescent with splendid views during the day. Yet during the night, it was eerie on sight. Sam shuddered and his face went slightly pale, not dare to take one more step further.

The person in front of him turned. His leg coincidentally stepped on a twig and snapped it when he turned. “Uncle Venus.” Caden spoke yet he did not address him as ‘Mr. Venus’ like he used to but ‘Uncle Venus’ which he had not addressed him that way for a long time.

Sam was startled. After three seconds, he quickly waved his hands and replied courteously. “Oh no, you shouldn’t address me like that!”

spoke rather gently. “There must be already ten years when Uncle Venus officially became my butler, right?” His voice

do one thing each, and the things we ask you are

felt his mind had blown. What did that mean? Why did mister ask him this out of the blue? Thoughts jumbled in his mind yet he did not reply instantly, and Caden’s black eyes had grown gloomier. Caden took a deep breath and made a decision. “Uncle Venus, according to the house rule of the Shaw family, there’s still more than half year left before you officially retire. Starting from tomorrow, there would be someone continuing your job. For the sake

cigarette from his inner pocket and lit it. He took a sip and glanced at the sky. There were disappointment and grudge in his eyes. A mouthful of smoke was contained in his oral cavity

the words were stuck in his throat and he

Wallis’s case, and it’s regarding what happened that night. If I say I believe that Grace James is innocent in this

and his eyes were filled with hatred. “It can’t be! She’ll definitely not be innocent! If it’s

much you hate Grace, how could I be assured enough to let you manage this mansion? She’s still staying here.” Although Sam loathed Grace, he felt relieved when he saw his reaction. At least, from the current situation, Sam only informed

onto the ground. Before he left, he glimpsed at the small brook not far away. If Sam had slightly revealed any sign that he knew the fact his grandpa had framed Grace three or four years ago, his corpse