Chapter 3
884 Words
“Bye, Vernah. It’s nice to see you again. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on,” said Sir Caleb, one of Sir Dominic’s cousins. He sounded a little tipsy.
Vernah could only smile politely. Caleb was already standing, ready to leave the house. Dominic was behind her, so she couldn’t tell what expression he wore—whether he was happy or annoyed.
“Thank you, Sir,” she replied softly.
Caleb excused himself to Dominic, saying he was leaving. Now, only the two of them remained in the room.
The atmosphere grew heavy with awkward silence, so Vernah decided to head to the kitchen and tidy up the remains of the meal.
But when she turned around, she caught Dominic’s figure standing still, his expression unreadable.
“Why did you smile when Caleb called you the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen?” Dominic asked seriously. “Don’t believe him. He’s a playboy.”
Vernah was taken aback. What was he talking about?
“I-I didn’t mean to—” she stammered.
“Clean the kitchen. When you’re done, you may rest,” he interrupted, glancing at the time on his wristwatch.
That was Dominic for you — blunt and cold.
“Okay, Sir,” she answered, resigned. She was just a maid here, after all. Becoming queen of this household? That would only happen if she married Dominic.
The thought secretly made her heart flutter. Like a crazy daydream spinning in her mind — walking down the aisle, surrounded by angels singing, wearing a lavish wedding gown.
And there, at the altar... the man she always dreamed of, standing and waiting to hear her say the words she longed for: *Yes, I do, Father.*
But her mind was quick to shatter the fantasy.
It will never happen in real life. It only happened in movies and stories. The cruel truth settled deep inside her.
Thinking about how handsome and wealthy Sir Dominic was, a pang of hopelessness gripped her.
She sighed deeply, pushing the daydream aside, and moved toward the kitchen to clean. Better to focus on work than get lost in useless dreams.
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The Next Morning
She woke early, following her usual routine before stepping out of her room on the ground floor — not the second floor like the others.
It was 6 a.m., and she made her way to what she affectionately called her “palace”: the kitchen.
Last night’s food hadn’t all been eaten, so she took the leftovers from the fridge and decided to heat them up. Such a waste to throw food away when many in the Philippines went hungry.
“I’ve got work,” Dominic’s voice startled her from behind as she reheated the dishes. He was dressed in a tuxedo — sleek black, perfectly tailored. Satin lapels caught the light, his white shirt pristine beneath the expertly tied bow tie. His trousers creased sharply down to his polished black patent leather shoes.
She turned to face him, startled but composed.
“Ah, yes, Sir. What should I buy?” she asked, locking eyes with him.
He stared back, as if daring her to meet his gaze.
“Beluga caviar, Truffle honey, Japanese Wagyu ribeye, Maine lobster tails, Truffle gouda cheese, Organic strawberries, Dragon fruit, Heirloom tomatoes, 1962 Château Lafite Rothschild wine, Craft IPA beer, Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, Macadamia nuts, Valrhona dark chocolate, Truffle-infused popcorn, Organic pasture-raised eggs, USDA Prime dry-aged beef, Wild-caught Alaskan salmon, French yogurt, Black truffle risotto rice, and finally, Artisanal balsamic vinegar,” he recited breathlessly.
Vernah’s mouth dropped open in disbelief. Aside from strawberries and dragon fruit, she didn’t know half the things he just listed. How was she supposed to buy all this without a list?
“Here’s my credit card. If you want to buy something else, just go ahead,” he said, placing the card on the table like he’d just forgotten something.
She was about to speak when he added, “Don’t forget to lock the door and gate when you go.”
She nodded silently, though a hint of irritation bubbled beneath her calm exterior.
“I have to go. I might be late for a meeting. Vernah, don’t forget the groceries,” he said hurriedly, turning to leave.
Left alone, Vernah stood frozen, unable to process the whirlwind that just passed.
*This hurts more than a breakup,* she thought bitterly.
“Just kill me now!” she shouted into the empty room.
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Later, inside the grocery store near the Velarde estate, Vernah pushed a cart, sweat beading on her forehead despite the cold air conditioning.
If she failed to buy everything on that impossible list, Dominic would surely be furious.
Why hadn’t she recorded it on her phone?
She decided next time, she would.
Approaching the wine section, she searched the shelves for the unfamiliar “1962 Château Lafite Rothschild.”
As she reached for a bottle, someone beat her to it.
Startled, she stepped back a little.
“Sir Caleb! You’re here!” she greeted, surprised.
“I was about to go home when I saw you,” he smiled, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable.
His smile felt like a sudden warmth, and for a moment, Vernah felt something flutter inside her chest again.
- Writer
