Third Person's Pov
Sniff… Sniff…
A soft, trembling sound echoed through the quiet private room.
Lackey held Penelope gently in his arms, her face buried against his chest as she sniffled. His fingers moved through her hair in slow, soothing strokes.
For a long moment, silence lingered between them.
Then Penelope suddenly stirred, her body tensing as awareness returned. She flinched and quickly pulled herself away, her hands trembling as she tried to compose herself.
"I-I am sorry, Mr. Lackey… telling you my worthless story… I didn't mean to waste your precious time…" Her voice wavered, soft and fragile, her face flushing deeply as fear and embarrassment curled tightly around her chest.
Lackey looked at her quietly. A faint smile touched his lips as he reached forward, gently wiping the remaining tears from her cheeks with his thumb.
