Author's POV
A year ago
"Wilfred?"
"Yes, ma'am?" her chauffeur replied, his eyes expertly fixed on the road.
"What do you think when you see this shade of colour?" She propped a shopping bag on her laps, pulling on a part of an evening gown folded neatly in the bag towards Wilfred. He mentally rolled his eyes. Why she usually asked his take on topics of fashion he would never understand. He glanced at the dress for a second before returning his eyes to the road.
"That's peach, right?" Wilfred asked to be exact.
"Of course, it is," Madam Veronica replied with an obvious eye roll.
"Just wanted to be accurate, ma'am. The colour looks warm and respectful. It's quite a mature hue, very suitable to sophisticated people," he concluded, his explanation almost as explicit as that of a fashion designer. Madam Veronica was very impressed with his answer.
"Wow, such wise words. I should probably take you with me when I go shopping for lingerie later. You have quite an exquisite discernment."
"Hard pass, ma'am. I'm afraid I will have to decline on your request."
Madam Veronica's chuckle filled the car immediately. Minutes later, silence reigned again as the chief occupant got busy on her phone and Wilfred minded his driving squarely. The car was passing by a dark lane when suddenly a loud scream was released into the air.
"What was that?" Madam Veronica enquired, her curiosity piqued.
"It can't be anything good. I have to get you out of this vicinity, ma'am, right now." He stiffened and started swiveling the car around.
"No!" she ordered, "That person might need my help. We absolutely cannot just walk away! Well, I know I can't because I have a conscience. Now, stop this car!"
Wilfred brought the car to a stop eventually. He felt scolded by her words and they ate at him sharply. He was not happy with her decision but he could not question her orders no matter how lenient she was to him. He was just the chauffeur and he would never forget his place. If anything sinister happened, he would be glad to die with a pure-hearted woman as Madam Veronica.
"What do we do now, ma'am?"